Midlands Innovation is pleased to announce that we have become the first university partnership to join the Advisory Board of the Social Value Commission, strengthening the role of research-intensive universities in shaping how investment delivers meaningful, measurable benefit for communities across the UK.
The Social Value Commission brings together major national organisations — including Barratt Redrow, E.ON UK, Heathrow, Knight Dragon, Mitie, Pension Insurance Corporation and VodafoneThree — to advise government on how to overcome the economic, social and cultural barriers that limit investment in different parts of the country.
As the only university collaboration represented on the Advisory Board, Midlands Innovation will contribute unique insight into how world-class research, talent and innovation can drive inclusive regional growth.
Midlands Innovation will be represented on the Advisory Board by Assistant Director Josh Hawkins, whose appointment builds on his previous work through the Midlands Engine and longstanding engagement with regional partners. His experience supporting cross-institutional projects and shaping place-based investment strategies will help ensure the partnership brings a strong, informed voice to the Commission’s work.
Speaking on the announcement, Josh Hawkins, Assistant Director, Midlands Innovation, said:
“Universities are regional anchor institutions with the ability to shape, influence and enable investment that supports long-term prosperity. Midlands Innovation’s role on the Commission will ensure the voice of research-intensive universities is heard in national conversations about how investment creates social value — and how this value is understood, measured and felt across our communities. We are proud to represent the collective strengths of our eight university partners and contribute evidence of the impact that R&D and innovation deliver for the Midlands and the wider UK.”
The Commission will, over the coming year, undertake research and develop recommendations for government, industry and local leaders. These will focus on improving how social value is identified, evidenced and communicated across a range of investment activities — from regeneration and infrastructure to innovation, business growth and major capital programmes.
Welcoming Midlands Innovation to the Advisory Board, Steph Driver, Chair of The Social Value Commission, said:
“It’s fantastic to have Midlands Innovation on The Social Value Commission’s advisory board. The team bring a deep understanding of the community value secured by aligning industry and government. They will be an invaluable partner as we explore how to unlock greater social value from private investment, across the Midlands and beyond.”
As one of the UK’s leading regional research collaborations, Midlands Innovation brings a nationally recognised record of championing innovation-led growth. Through our role on the Advisory Board, we will contribute:
- A clear understanding of the Midlands innovation ecosystem — built over a decade of Midlands Innovation–led initiatives and close engagement with key regional stakeholders, giving us a uniquely informed perspective on how the Midlands’ innovation ecosystem operates and where investment can deliver the greatest impact.
- Robust evidence of the impact of research and development — demonstrating how university-led innovation drives inclusive regional growth.
- Direct experience of major regeneration and investment programmes — showing how our partners’ university anchored developments can catalyse long-term economic and social value.
- A strong, shared civic commitment — ensuring that investment decisions are aligned with our partners local priorities and translate into tangible benefits for communities across the region.
Together, these contributions will help the Commission build a fuller, more nuanced understanding of the social value created through research, innovation and place‑based investment — and ensure universities play a central role in shaping future national policy.
To learn more about the Social Value Commission and its work, please visit: https://www.socialvaluecommission.co.uk/
