Priority 4: Real-world research, innovation and enterprise

We’ll establish ourselves as a leader in research, innovation and enterprise within the modern university sector. With our already growing reputation as a research-intensive institution, we’ll be more research active, and our innovation, enterprise and knowledge exchange activities will create greater outputs.

This is because we’ll:

• Develop valuable partnerships with external stakeholders to better respond to opportunities across the public and private sectors. This will enable us to engage in more high-impact research and enterprise activity. This work will be closely linked to our research themes and involve our Research Institutes and Research Centres.
• Help new and existing business to grow, offering the opportunities that they’ll benefit from most. These could include Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Degree Apprenticeships, Continuing Professional Development opportunities, sub-contract research, intellectual property capabilities and investment guidance.
• Further develop our high-quality research-informed teaching standards. Our learning environments are focused on innovation and enterprise to help students develop the skills they need to start and grow their own business.
• Offer expert consultancy services involving research, innovation, and enterprise. Our partners and students will benefit from our cutting-edge knowledge, resources, and facilities. We’ll also help our external clients solve their pressing issues with high-quality, bespoke, accessible services and expertise.
• Pursue regeneration and development programmes including HMG funds, income from local and regional bodies such as the Strategic Regeneration Fund, and other co-investment opportunities.
• Work with the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership to accelerate economic growth for the region and play an important role in the regeneration and pandemic recovery of Lancashire and the wider North West.
• Explore commercial opportunities, including securing and capitalising on our intellectual property. We’ll also find and support spin-off opportunities for our academics and students.