We connect our research community across eight universities to establish and grow new research networks, and to share knowledge and best practice.
Universities in the Midlands region have a rich history of close and strategic collaboration. Midlands Innovation came into its current form in 2015. The partnership builds on a history of strong regional partnerships, focused on equipment sharing, and on different subject-based strategic partnerships.
Together, we are committed to building a vibrant and sustainable research and innovation ecosystem in the region, further building on our collective research strengths.
Through research and training the workforce of tomorrow, our universities improve the social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of people in the Midlands, the UK and globally.
At Midlands Innovation, our purpose, vision and values are central to our activities.
Purpose
Midlands Innovation creates opportunities for the region, its people and its members through ambitious programmes and research which deliver positive impact.
We influence future prospects for the region by working in partnership to advocate for research and innovation.
Vision
The Midlands is home to a vibrant and sustainable research and innovation ecosystem which adds value to its people, the region and the UK. We are renowned for our excellence in R&D and facilitate global investment.
We act in an honest and open manner, building trust within our projects and the partnership.
We deliver a positive impact for our university members and our region by working in partnership.
We proactively build relationships with our stakeholders and member’s communities to enable closer working.
We respect people, value diversity and are committed to equality, aiming for continuous improvement across the partnership.
The Midlands is at the heart of the UK, with a population of more than 11 million, creating £222 billion Gross Value Added – more than 14% of the total for the UK. It is also a high-export economy, with exports worth more than any other region in the UK – £49 billion annually, 17% of the UK total.
The region is at the heart of UK manufacturing and advanced engineering, accounting for 20% of UK manufacturing output through world leading business and industry like Alstom, Bombardier, Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, National Grid, Rolls-Royce, Tarmac and Toyota UK.
The unique expertise in the region spans global high-value sectors; from world-class automotive and aerospace engineering, to renewable energy, medical and agricultural technologies and beyond. It also has real pedigree in the arts, creative and digital industries.
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Midlands Innovation is an ambitious research and innovation partnership, combining the collective excellence of eight world-class universities in the heart of the UK: Aston University, University of Birmingham, Cranfield University, Keele University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, University of Nottingham and University of Warwick.
Our pan-regional partnership is unique. We combine research power, technical ability and knowledge exchange strengths of eight universities, at scale, across the region.
We deliver bold and impactful initiatives, focusing on five overarching priorities:
Our current research and innovation work programmes are:
There are people within the eight Midlands Innovation universities who are involved in research and innovation activities through committees, networks or projects. Visit the teams/networks page to find out more or contact us.
Regional university partnerships help tackle economic and social challenges through collaboration.
In the Midlands, for example, there are variable levels of investment across the region which leads to slower industry innovation. Skills, employment, infrastructure, and health inequalities are some of the other social challenges facing the region.
Midlands Innovation delivers activities and initiatives to help find solutions to collective challenges, through collaboration.
Learn more in What We Do.
Our partnership is unique. We combine the research power from eight universities with technical expertise and knowledge exchange strengths, at scale. This enables us to deliver ambitious research and innovation activities that have a positive impact.
