The latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) 2026 results have highlighted the collective strength of the Midlands Innovation (MI) partnership, with member universities demonstrating exceptional performance in working with businesses and commercialising research both of which are integral to driving economic growth across the Midlands and beyond.
Published by Research England, the Knowledge Exchange Framework is a national assessment of how universities work with external partners to ensure research and knowledge create real-world benefits for businesses, public services, communities and the wider economy.
The results show that Midlands Innovation’s eight research-intensive universities are an engine for innovation and growth. Collectively, all eight partners achieved a high or very high rating for working with business.
The universities also demonstrated major strengths in the assessment of research partnerships, local growth and regeneration, and working with public and third-sector organisations, highlighting the breadth of their contribution to prosperity, productivity and societal impact across the region and beyond. In the research partnerships category, six of the eight universities achieved high or very high scores, while five partners secured high or very high ratings for local growth and regeneration activities. All partners scored in the top three quintiles in both categories.
The KEF results further underline the Midlands’ growing reputation as a centre for innovation-led growth. Four MI universities achieved the highest possible rating for intellectual property and commercialisation, with seven of the eight partners ranked in the top two quintiles.
Together, the results showcase a partnership that is translating world-leading research into practical outcomes, helping businesses innovate, creating new products and services, and supporting public organisations.
Over recent years, Midlands Innovation universities have underlined their collaborative approach to supporting growth, entrepreneurship and commercialisation across the region. This has included the launch of major initiatives such as Forging Ahead, a programme bringing together 16 Midlands universities to boost entrepreneurship and innovation; AI RDN+, which is helping equip future researchers with skills in the ethical use of artificial intelligence; and Midlands Mindforge, the UK’s first pan-regional university investment company established to accelerate the growth of science and technology businesses emerging from the high quality university research from the region’s top universities.
The partnership also hosted and delivered the hugely successful inaugural UK Global R&D and Science Investment Summit this summer which showcased the most exciting investment opportunities coming out of the UK’s world-leading R&D and science sectors.
Dr Helen Turner, Director of Midlands Innovation, said: “These results demonstrate the extraordinary contribution our universities make to economic growth, innovation and productivity. Across the Midlands, our partners are helping businesses develop new products and services, supporting organisations to tackle complex challenges, creating high-growth companies based on the excellent research they are generating and ensuring that research delivers tangible benefits for society.
“The Midlands is home to world-leading research strengths and an increasingly connected innovation ecosystem. By working together through Midlands Innovation, our universities are able to amplify their impact, accelerate the commercialisation of research and help drive sustainable economic growth across the region.
“At a time when the Government wants to boost growth and improving productivity, these results show that Midlands universities are already delivering the partnerships, talent, innovation and enterprise to support the UK’s future economic prospects.”
The KEF 2026 results also reveal a broad base of excellence across the partnership, with the majority of Midlands Innovation universities ranked within the top three quintiles across almost all assessment categories, reflecting their extensive engagement with businesses, public services, policymakers, charities, communities and entrepreneurs.
As the Midlands continues to build its reputation as a national powerhouse for research, innovation and enterprise, the latest KEF results provide further evidence of the critical role universities play in driving investment, supporting industry and delivering inclusive economic growth across the region.
