New Report: Knowledge Exchange and HEIF Funding
Monday 30^th April

PACEC has completed a major report describing the state of development and future prospects in higher education’s contribution to economic growth and societal development through knowledge exchange.  The report “Strengthening the Contribution of English Higher Education Institutions to the Innovation System: knowledge exchange and HEIF funding” draws on institutional strategies submitted to HEFCE in July 2011.  These strategies set out how universities will use the £600m provided by the Government as through the Higher Education Innovation Funding allocation (HEIF)

The report shows how HEIs are becoming increasingly direct partners in the innovation process as well as playing an important role in supporting the underlying local conditions for innovation.  The strategies demonstrate a sector that is dynamic in adapting to the large changes in the external environment as well as learning from experience about what works in an area where best practice is little understood and often requires customisation to internal contexts.

The executive summary can be found by clicking here.

The full report can be found by clicking here.

PACEC and Higher Education

Universities are playing an increasingly pivotal role in the development of globally competitive knowledge economies and progressive modern societies. Recent decades have seen an explosion in the number of higher education institutions and students around the world as mass higher education spreads.

PACEC have been commissioned to carry out the 2010 Homeless Watch survey on behalf of all of the local authorities in Nottinghamshire, including Nottingham City Council. Information from the annual Homeless Watch survey is used by a range of organisations to analyse levels of homelessness and the support needs of homeless people to ensure a sufficient range of services are available to meet their needs. This year's survey will be used in the review of local homelessness plans and strategies, including Supporting People funded services.

The supply of premises and land is critical for local economic development and town and country planning policies. A poor supply of premises and land are identified as a key constraint by firms in almost all locations, together with the environment, security, and the need for accessibility. Consultants at PACEC have worked extensively with local authorities and the property sector to review the demand for and supply of sites and reviewed some of the major UK property initiatives, for example, MetroCentre, London Docklands, Enterprise Zones.

PACEC has developed an approach and range of techniques to work with local communities to identify needs, encourage renewal, social inclusion and participation and prepare area frameworks and action plans. Initiatives we have been involved in include New Deal, Neighbourhood Renewal Strategies, SRB and RDA Single Pot projects. Our approach also brings together local people and resources with initiatives, local agencies and employers. A key to the issues faced is the ability to harness the energy of people in deprived neighbourhoods so that they are motivated to participate in local initiatives.

More than ever firms have greater choice on their location. Competition between agencies for mobile firms is intense and the package needed to attract firms and retain them through aftercare is critical. PACEC's multi-disciplinary approach for agencies covers market intelligence, premises and sites, labour supply, the supply chain, residential, educational and leisure facilities and agency grants and support packages.

Local and regional economic assessments and strategies can embrace a range of themes: the performance of the local economy, business needs, sector and cluster strengths, labour markets and skills, worklessness and social exclusion (with Work and Skills Plans), property and land, housing, recreation and leisure facilities, the environment, and internal/external perceptions and image.

An adequate supply of labour is essential to underpin business competitiveness and public services. The willingness and ability of individuals to continually adapt skills and train is critical to successful economic development and regeneration. PACEC's considerable expertise and experience in the field of labour market and workforce development enables us to provide agencies with a comprehensive research, policy development and evaluation service.

PACEC is a leading consultancy on developing innovation and technology strategies, the identification of technologies, local strengths, the role of key sectors and clusters, and support networks in innovation. We have evaluated and developed best practice for central government's main innovation programmes and services and carried out feasibility studies on the development of initiatives.

Improvement in local employment opportunities is a function of successful indigenous business growth, survival and start ups. The response of local agencies and partnerships is more effective if shaped to meet the needs of business and targeted to improve competitiveness and stimulate enterprise. PACEC have developed innovative approaches to identify key policy areas, meet the needs of companies and evaluate the impact of policy.