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.
Towns must become more attractive to a highly qualified workforce, either through improving connectivity (e.g. reducing commuter times) or enhancing quality of life for those that live there. Congestion and environmental impacts of current infrastructure associated with transport systems along the corridor also act as an impediment to increased growth.
The themes for the Innovation Hub mainly fall into four main categories;
1. Clean Growth 2. New Mobility 3. Digital Connectedness 4. Social & Environmental Wellbeing
Clean Growth
Low carbon heating; Renewable energy; Energy efficiency; Smart energy; Inefficient recycling and waste management; Environmental degradation; Excessive energy loss from buildings.
New Mobility
Automated Vehicles; Connected Vehicles; Electric Vehicles; Mobility as a service; reducing air pollution; advancing public transport links; solving congestion; increasing access for all; reducing commuter times; improving connectivity and mobility for vulnerable and isolated citizens.
Digital Connectedness
Data; Visualisation; GP information systems; AI.
Social & Environmental Wellbeing
Generating wealth and prosperity; sustainable use of resources; protecting and regenerating biodiversity; ecosystem services; solving the challenge of increasing obesity and inactivity in the young; Improving connectivity and mobility for vulnerable and isolated citizens.
