The University’s strategic ambition is ‘to change the world for the better’. We aim to make our excellent academic achievements highly relevant to solving the great challenges posed for research and supporting regional, national and international enterprises. Working across different faculties and industries to encompass all disciplines, we see ourselves as ‘problem solvers not solution sellers’ by working alongside end users from the outset. We believe this is evidenced by the significant market pull we already have from industry and stakeholders wanting to engage with us in this ‘sustainable living’ space.
Sustainable development
Focusing on regenerative practices, renewable energy, blue-green infrastructure, resource efficiency, and positive environmental impacts for sustainable living.
Our focus is on regenerative practices and renewable energy as crucial elements for building a resilient future. Integrating blue-green infrastructure to harmonise urban development with natural ecosystems, enhancing resilience of the built environment to a changing climate. We also emphasise circular economy to decouple resource inputs from economic growth.
Our support: We offer cutting-edge research, expertise, and collaborative opportunities. Accessing expertise across disciplines, the hub can facilitate projects that enhance both social, economic and environmental resilience. Using interdisciplinary and systems approaches, we can help foster positive environmental impacts, promoting sustainable living and advancing the long-term sustainability and wellbeing of communities.
Smart Mobility
Implementing transportation technologies like autonomous / electric vehicles, smart public transport and micro-mobility; to reduce congestion, improve connectivity and enhance accessibility of communities.
Smart mobility involves using innovative and integrated technologies to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility of transportation. Key components include optimised public transit, multimodal transport integration, and the promotion of electric and active transportation options such as cycling and walking. Smart infrastructure, such as connected vehicles and intelligent traffic management systems, plays a crucial role. Additionally, the use of data analytics and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms, which integrate various transport services into a single app, help in planning and optimising routes, improving user experience, and reducing congestion and emissions.
Our support: Supporting smart mobility innovation by fostering interdisciplinary research, offering specialised education and training, and supporting entrepreneurship through incubation, mentorship, and funding opportunities. We can facilitate collaborations between academia, industry, and government, while engaging local communities to ensure inclusive and practical solutions. By promoting open innovation, sustainable practices, and continuous improvement, the hub creates a dynamic ecosystem that accelerates the development and implementation of advanced, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions.
Digital Transformation
Using data analytics, AI, IoT and smart technologies to improve the management and delivery of public services and community connectivity.
Digital transformation of places refers to the integration of digital technologies into various aspects of urban and rural life to enhance service quality, efficiency, and sustainability. This process involves deploying smart infrastructure such as IoT devices for managing resources, implementing e-government services for better civic engagement, and using data-driven insights to inform decision-making. It also includes advancements in transportation with intelligent traffic systems, improvements in healthcare through telemedicine, and the use of digital tools in education. The aim is to foster economic growth, improve quality of life, and promote environmental sustainability, while addressing challenges like digital inclusion, privacy concerns, and the costs of implementation.
Our support: We can support innovation in the digital transformation of places by serving as a collaborative space where place-leaders, researchers, and industry partners can work together on cutting-edge projects. Providing resources such as advanced technological tools, expert mentorship, and funding opportunities to develop and prototype new solutions. The hub fosters an ecosystem of creativity and experimentation, encouraging the development of smart infrastructure, e-governance, sustainable urban planning, and other digital initiatives. By facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange, the innovation hub accelerates the adoption of digital technologies and contributes to the creation of smarter, more efficient, and sustainable environments.
Community Wellbeing and Inclusivity
Promoting social equity, quality healthcare, education, and recreation to ensure inclusivity and enhance life for all.
Community wellbeing and inclusivity involve ensuring the holistic health, happiness, and prosperity of all community members, while promoting equal access to opportunities and resources. Community wellbeing encompasses aspects such as physical and mental health, economic stability, education, social connections, environmental quality, and cultural vitality. Inclusivity focuses on equality, accessibility, participation, respect for diversity, removing barriers, and empowerment. Integrating these concepts means creating infrastructure, policies, programmes, and practices that allow every individual to thrive, fostering resilient, vibrant, and equitable communities where everyone can live fulfilling and prosperous lives.
Our support: Supporting organisations dedicated to a place-based approach to improving wellbeing. Assistance in developing services and programmes that reflect the community’s unique cultural and economic context. By fostering partnerships among local businesses, government, and residents, these initiatives will address the community’s specific challenges and aspirations, promoting social equity and cohesion.
Place-based Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Providing support for startups and businesses focussed on place-based innovation through incubators, accelerators and funding; fostering collaboration between public, private and third-sector organisations to enhance the quality of life for residents.
Place-based innovation and entrepreneurship involve leveraging the unique characteristics of a specific geographic area to drive economic development and foster business growth. This approach focuses on utilising local resources, such as natural assets, human capital, and cultural heritage, to create tailored strategies that address the area’s distinct needs and opportunities. By engaging local stakeholders—such as businesses, government bodies, educational institutions, and residents—place-based strategies aim to build a robust and resilient local economy that is less reliant on external factors.
Our support: We can support organisations in place-based innovation and entrepreneurship by providing a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange. We offer access to cutting-edge research, expert mentorship, innovation support services and state-of-the-art facilities, which can help local businesses and startups develop and commercialise new ideas. By connecting organisations with academic expertise, funding opportunities, and a network of industry partners, we help to drive economic growth and enhance regional competitiveness. Working with local and national stakeholders we also play a role in aligning educational programmes with local industry needs, ensuring that the skills of the future match the demands of emerging sectors.