The Economy

Our universities are critical to sustainable economic prosperity in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Our world-leading strengths attract major global businesses in industries such as the space sector, life sciences, sport and the creative industries.

We work hand-in-glove with businesses of all shapes and sizes and our innovation programmes seek to boost productivity in the local economy. Furthermore, our outstanding graduates provide a pipeline of talent to industry and are the foundation of the local knowledge economy.

We are working with our local authority partners and businesses to match talent to opportunities and ensure that more of our graduates start businesses – building their lives here and helping to drive future prosperity in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Together we will:

a. Drive inward investment into our region through attracting businesses to the area, supporting national Government initiatives and funding bids (e.g. the Levelling Up Fund), and partnering on major regional developments (e.g. East Midlands Freeport).

b. Retain more graduates locally by working with our local authorities and partners to promote local employment opportunities to graduates, matching their skills to local employment needs.

c. Invest our own resources and lever the resources of others into research and development – creating an effective basis for an innovation-led local economy.

d. Support a thriving local business, voluntary and community sector through our research, innovation, leadership and business support programmes.

e. Lead the way in supporting the development of a fair, inclusive, green and sustainable economy.

Contacts

William Wells (University of Leicester)