Published on 30/01/2025
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Shadow minister visits Aston University to discuss the power of universities to drive regional economic growth
Professor Gurpreet Singh Jagpal and Saqib Bhatti MP
  • Saqib Bhatti MP visited campus to find out how the University helps boost regional economy
  • The University currently generates more than £1.4 bn to the national economy and aims to double that annually 
  • Discussed major initiative the Birmingham Innovation Precinct.

Aston University’s role in driving inclusive economic growth across the West Midlands and beyond was on the agenda during a visit by MP Saqib Bhatti.

The member for Meriden and Solihull East visited the campus on Friday 24 January to meet its chief commercial officer Professor Gurpreet Singh Jagpal and colleagues from the triple-crown accredited Aston Business School who work with businesses and entrepreneurs across the region. 

Aston University currently generates more than £1.4 billion to the national economy and its 2030 strategy sets out the ambition to double that annually. It is a key institution for the West Midlands economy through its production of high-skilled graduates, research commercialisation and support for businesses.

During the fact-finding visit the MP who is shadow minister for culture, media and sport, learnt more about how the higher education institution plans to boost its contribution to the regional economy. One major initiative is the development of the Birmingham Innovation Precinct, which brings together academia, students, entrepreneurs and industry to unleash the innovation potential of Birmingham and drive inclusive economic growth. 

Professor Jagpal said: “I was delighted to welcome Saqib to Aston University and to showcase the impact of our work on the local economy. Aston University has a bold vision within the new digital era and through this we aim to further drive productivity and growth in the economy and make an even greater contribution to the region’s prosperity in the years to come. 

“For more than 100 years, we have been deeply embedded in Birmingham, serving the community and helping businesses thrive. Looking to the future, we are driving excellence in health, digital and technology research though our distinctive interdisciplinary University research institutes.”

The MP also visited the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT) which is one of the world’s leading centres of its kind. It is known for its scientific achievements ranging from medical lasers to the high-speed optical communications technology that underpins the internet and the digital economy.

Saqib said: “Aston University exemplifies how higher education institutions can act as catalysts for regional prosperity. Through their innovative research and strong partnerships with businesses, they are not only driving economic growth but also fostering a culture of inclusivity and opportunity. The West Midlands is fortunate to have such a forward-thinking institution at its heart.”

Notes to editors

About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press & Communications Manager on 07941194168 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk