An Enterprising and Innovative University
The University of Warwick has a deserved reputation as an outstandingly enterprising institution, which has initiated and leads on a range of well-known and successful enterprise initiatives.
This success has been recognised both nationally and in our own region. The Lambert Review said "the University of Warwick maintains strong links with business on its own campus" and described us as "consistently one of the most entrepreneurial universities in the country". The recent AD Little report on regional innovation said "Warwick has a well-established regional and wider record as a strong communicator".
Innovation Case Studies:
Research-TV
Research-TV is a mechanism for creating high-quality television presentations of significant research stories, for use by a variety of broadcast media. The project was initiated by Warwick, with financial support from Advantage West Midlands and from the Economic and Social Research Council, and is now used to create and disseminate stories emanating not only from Warwick, but also from the University of Birmingham, Kings College London, Nottingham University, Durham University, Oxford University, Nottingham Trent, Edinburgh, University College London and Cardiff University.
Connect Midlands
Connect Midlands works to fulfil the needs and aspirations of emerging technology focussed companies. By connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed, and linking business service providers with new technologies and business opportunities, Connect acts as a catalyst for the success of early stage technology industries.
Launched in November 2001 Connect Midlands currently delivers 14 events a year with over £13 million raised by the presenting companies to date.
Enterprise Fellowship Scheme
The Enterprise Fellowship Scheme is designed to support staff, students and alumni from the universities of Central England, Coventry, Keele, Staffordshire, Warwick and Wolverhampton to explore a business idea and develop it into commercial reality. The scheme has assimilated all of the most successful elements from around Europe to create a unique package of opportunity to guide you through each stage of business development. In the West Midlands, the pilot Enterprise Fellowship Scheme of 21 Fellows created 14 thriving businesses.
Future Projects:
Technology Transfer and Supporting High Technology, High Growth Companies
Continuing the support for and growth of companies utilising university Intellectual Property derived from research though both spin-outs and licensing. To date this has resulted in 30 new companies and over 50 licences. The University will invest in continued growth and the move towards a sustainable, non-grant funded, future. This will also support interactions with companies who will benefit from access to scientific facilities and support to access finance.
Work Experience and Enterprise Education
Warwick will enhance the impact of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship education on staff and students and the wider community, continuing the themes established under the Mercia Institute of Enterprise. Students will also be presented with enhanced placement opportunities especially within the West Midlands region – this will have a benefit to both students and employers (especially SMEs) with potential impacts on graduate retention.
Industrial Collaborations
Through a new series of initiatives the University will expand collaborations with major UK companies. This will include enhanced communications with partners and a staff exchange programme.
Warwick Digital Laboratory
A major new Warwick Manufacturing Group initiative, this will be a unique collaborative Research and Development centre with a focus on the application of “digital” technology and methodologies to manufacturing, medicine and health and product development. The University will provide support for staff to enhance partnerships with companies seeking to further develop their capabilities in the digital field.
Warwick Medical School
With support from HEIF3 the Medical School will continue an existing series of programmes, and engage in new activities, which will reach out to health and medical related companies and users/practitioners in healthcare provision.
Warwick Broadband
Establishing a pioneering new programme of activity based around a Broadband TV Channel. This will reach out to various communities of interest, including community and public sector groups as well as business. This approach has received support from regional, national and international partners.