The University Alliance, which represents professional and technical universities in the UK, today launched a new network to drive collaboration between universities and industry.
The first meeting of the new Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network took place at the Powerhouse building, the University of Greenwich's enterprise and innovation hub.
The Alliance and its members will be evaluating the new Knowledge Exchange Framework and the opportunities for the higher education sector to drive impact and value for the UK economy.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Greenwich, Professor Jane Harrington, said: "I'm really pleased that this inaugural meeting of the Knowledge Exchange Network, bringing together 12 universities from across the country, is taking place here at Greenwich.
"Universities have a good record of knowledge exchange as the basis for achieving change and working with partners to make a difference across many sectors. I know this network will help further build upon this strong foundation."
Knowledge Exchange, the process through which knowledge, expertise and skills are shared between education establishments and business and industry, has been underway for many years across Higher Education.
Research at the University of Greenwich has been recognised with numerous Times Higher Education Awards and five Queen's Anniversary Prizes, and work has been embedded with industry via the engagement of their academic community.
One example is the work of the University's Natural Resources Institute on renewable natural resources which has resulted in substantial impact at farmer and community level.
Rosemary Nunn, Head of Commercialisation and Innovation at the university and chair of the new Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network said: "This new network from University Alliance will be essential for supporting our universities to maximise the opportunities afforded by the forthcoming Knowledge Exchange Framework.
"Working together will allow Alliance Universities to present a single contact point to businesses and government, as well as collaborating on projects to make the most of limited government resource."
