Innovative university-business partnership to power economic growth and devolution for the West of England

A new data and research centre, which will bring together businesses and universities with policymakers to support regional growth and industrial strategy, was formally announced yesterday (19 November) by the funding council UKRI Research England.

The Brunel Centre, created by the University of Bath with the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and Futures West, will pioneer new approaches to economic research and data analysis, with and for the West of England.

Located in Bath and Bristol, alongside a virtual data observatory, its main aim when it formally launches in April 2025 will be on tackling long-term economic challenges for the region. This includes raising productivity, growth and innovation, and supporting key regional sectors and firms, including in clean energy, digital and data, and business services.

Through its activities and outputs, the Brunel Centre will support decision-makers at different levels of government to co-create private and public strategies that enable local growth planning and further devolution of power to the West of England. It will work with the combined authority, local authorities and businesses from Bristol and Bath, to Swindon and Gloucester.

The Brunel Centre was officially announced by Research England Executive Chair Professor Dame Jessica Corner at an event in London on Tuesday 19 November. It will receive Research England Development funding of £4.5 million over the next five years, to March 2030.

Commenting on the announcement, Professor Sir Steve West, Vice-Chancellor at the University of the West of England said: "The Brunel Centre will embed research in the heart of the West of England, delivering insights that are both practical and transformative. By uniting regional universities, businesses, and policymakers, Brunel will produce real-world data and analysis that drives local economic growth, equips people with critical skills, and ensures that research is directly beneficial to our communities.

"The Brunel Centre’s pioneering approach means our research will be able to make real-world impact. We’re breaking down barriers between sectors to build a collaborative research ecosystem. This initiative will help our regional communities grow sustainably, creating new opportunities and insights that respond directly to the needs of the West of England.”

Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of Bath added: “The Brunel Centre presents a unique opportunity for us to combine the research and analytical strengths from our regional universities with the power of regional businesses to help inform and enhance policy and investment decisions for and about the West of England.

“I am delighted that the Centre has been funded and extend my thanks to Research England and to the team behind the bid, led by Professor Nick Pearce of Bath’s Institute for Policy Research with colleagues at UWE Bristol and Futures West. I am excited to see how the outputs from the Brunel Centre can help shape the region and benefit all of us living and working here in the years ahead.”

Sir Iain Gray, Chair of Futures West added: “We are grateful that Research England has recognised the Brunel Centre’s potential. The Centre’s research will help to drive investment and initiatives that will benefit not just our region, but the wider economy too. We also thank our partners for their work on this successful bid.

“Futures West looks forward to working closely with the Centre to ensure the economic drivers of our region’s prosperity are properly understood. This includes promoting the findings to businesses, policymakers and other stakeholders. We will also build on the strengths of our relationships across the private sector to ensure the Centre’s research programmes are relevant and impactful.”

Stephen Peacock, Chief Executive of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, said: “This £4.5 million research funding boost for our universities is really good news for the West of England. Our new partnership will help keep us at the forefront of research into ways to foster a sustainable and inclusive economy.

“Economic growth is a top priority for the region and our Mayor, Dan Norris. We look forward to working closely with the Brunel Centre as it generates new insights which can help us better target our investment in areas that make the biggest positive difference to the West of England.”

The Brunel Centre will officially launch in April 2025. In advance, the team behind the bid will play a key role in the upcoming Festival of Flourishing Regions, run by Futures West taking place in January 2025.

This will be an innovative and forward-thinking event dedicated to the advancement and growth of regions across the UK bringing together policymakers, businesses, economic development experts, and community leaders to explore and promote strategies for regional prosperity.