University News Last updated 21 July 2011
Leaders in the fields of innovation and design gathered at a forum hosted by Birmingham City University to help “galvanise local government, academia and business” to give the West Midlands an even sharper competitive edge.
Following the example of global innovation capitals such as Boston and Cambridge, a new action group called Innovation : Design Birmingham or ID Birmingham Leaders’ Network has been set up to focus on fully exploiting the region’s innovation and design capabilities.
Representatives from Jaguar Land Rover, Aga Rangemaster, Morgan Motor Company, Glenn Howells Architects, Birmingham City Council, the influential think-tank the Work Foundation, plus regional universities, professional bodies and local creative industries attended an inaugural dinner hosted at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery.
Frustrated with other cities taking the limelight, this influential group of “think and do” stakeholders share an ambition to make sure Birmingham and the region is properly recognised internationally for its innovation excellence.
The network will help cement stronger links between business and civic leaders with top academic experts and policy advisors to focus on applying the best in design to boost regional growth.
Graduate employability will be a key feature of the initiative with students and graduates encouraged to bring their fresh ideas to real world applications. To help showcase up-and-coming talent the network has pledged to support an awards scheme and exhibition.
“This is a very exciting opportunity. We have gathered some of the best names in West Midlands enterprise, along with top academics and policy advisors,” said Beverley Nielsen, Director Employer Engagement at Birmingham City University and brainchild behind the network.
“Birmingham and the West Midlands is a region that has an outstanding heritage in innovation and many of our top companies achieve global success through their brilliant design.
“This region is unique and by bringing together ‘think and do’ representatives from business, academia and leadership we have the potential to create a real international powerhouse in the West Midlands.”
Innovation, design and creativity are the drivers to Birmingham City University’s employer engagement strategy. To find out more visit http://www.bcu.ac.uk/news-events/news/bee-the-best