One year on from its launch, the Invest in UK University R&D - Midlands Campaign returned to UKREiiF with renewed energy, a broader vision, and a growing coalition of partners committed to driving innovation-led investment across the UK.
UKREiiF 2025: a broader vision comes to life.
Last year, at UKREiiF 2024, the focus was firmly on spotlighting the Midlands’ R&D strengths and showcasing partners’ capital investment propositions. In 2025, the campaign returned with a broader, more ambitious message: “UK Universities Drive Growth.” Boldly displayed on the front of the pavilion, this message made clear the campaign’s purpose at UKREiiF—championing the role of universities in driving innovation, collaboration, and economic growth across the UK.
Over the past year, the Invest in UK University R&D Campaign has taken the Midlands’ world-leading research and development to the global stage—stimulating new partnerships, building relationships, and gathering valuable insights. Through this journey, we’ve learned a great deal, and one message has become increasingly clear: that universities can make a strong impact on the inward investment narrative of a region and that it is all the more powerful if delivered through partnership.
While the UK’s scientific excellence is a powerful draw for international investors, unlocking large-scale investment requires more than individual university strengths. It demands a cohesive, collaborative approach—one that brings together universities, local and national government, and industry to present a unified, compelling offer.
2025 programme highlights: advancing a national dialogue on investment and collaboration
The programme of talks, roundtables, and receptions at UKREiiF 2025 was designed to support meaningful national conversations around investment and collaborative innovation. Leading voices from academia, government, and industry joined university leaders from across the UK to share insights and strategies. Across the three days, sessions explored topics including:
- Unlocking the Potential of Innovation Districts – featuring Newcastle University
- Connecting Clusters: Collaborating Across Regions to Grow Innovation Ecosystems – with Metro-Dynamics
- Universities and Place-Based Investment Initiatives (Investment Zones) – featuring the University of Liverpool
- UK Superclusters: Leveraging the Global Reputation of UK Science to Drive Investment and Growth – with the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board
- Partnering for Place – featuring university partnerships from across the country including Midlands Innovation, Universities for North East England and Yorkshire Universities
The clear takeaway from this year’s discussions was that investment conversations must transcend geography. While universities are deeply embedded in their local regions—and regional identity remains important for place-based investment decisions—international investors are often looking for scale, clarity, and confidence in the UK as a whole.
A visit to the UKREiiF pavilion made it immediately clear that the Invest in UK University R&D Campaign is fully aligned with the UK Government’s GREAT campaign. Adorned in the distinctive GREAT branding, the pavilion visually reinforces the UK’s unified message to international investors. This alignment provides a powerful foundation—and harnesses the fantastic global reputation of UK science.
There is a clear need to strike the right balance: regional and local propositions are vital when investors are seeking specific opportunities—such as locating on a science park with specialist expertise. But when promoting the UK’s excellence in areas like health and life sciences, AI, or clean energy, we must speak with one voice. Fragmented or overly localised messaging risks diluting our offer and confusing potential investors.
As George Freeman MP emphasised, the UK should be the overarching brand in global investment conversations. Regional initiatives must be positioned within a coordinated national strategy—a “network of networks” that highlights the UK’s scale, connectivity, and world-leading innovation ecosystem.
Universities at the heart of growth and investment
One goal of the campaign’s presence at UKREiiF was to highlight the vital role of universities in shaping investment strategies and fostering innovation and to enable Midlands Innovation members to pitch investment opportunities alongside their regional partners
One standout example was Keele University’s announcement of its vision for the Keele Innovation District—a transformative initiative building on the success of Keele Science Park and its strong local partnerships. It is a powerful illustration of why universities must be present at UKREiiF alongside their civic and investment partners.
Looking ahead: pride, progress, and purpose
As we reflect on UKREiiF 2025, we do so with a deep sense of pride. Pride in the university sector standing shoulder to shoulder with civic and investment partners. Pride in the determination to drive innovation forward, even amid economic and political uncertainty. And pride in the collaborative spirit that continues to grow in the Midlands.
One year on from its launch, the Invest in UK University R&D Campaign has evolved from a regional initiative into a national movement. It has opened the door to broader collaboration, with partners from across the UK stepping up—demonstrating a shared willingness to work together, not only to present major capital investment opportunities, but to position UK research as a cornerstone of future growth and prosperity.
This momentum is encouraging. It signals the early signs of a cultural shift—one where universities are not only seen as centres of knowledge, but as strategic partners in shaping the UK’s economic future.
The conversations at UKREiiF reaffirmed the importance of sustained, strategic collaboration. As we look to the year ahead, we remain committed to deepening partnerships, refining our collective approach, and ensuring that UK universities continue to lead in driving innovation and investment.
