Building Cardiff’s Future Through University and Business Collaboration

The interaction between universities and the business community is vital to Cardiff’s economic and social progress.  

I have the privilege of seeing this dynamic from two distinct perspectives: as Director of Innovation at Cardiff Metropolitan University and as a Director of Cardiff Business Club. Wearing these two hats offers me a unique vantage point on how academia and industry can work together to build a more resilient and innovative region. 

Cardiff is fortunate to have three universities within its boundaries: Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, and the University of South Wales. Collectively, these institutions host more than 60,000 students, contributing significantly to the city’s economy through rent, spending, and part-time employment. But the relationship goes beyond economics. The universities and the city are interdependent, with each shaping the other’s future. For example, transport and infrastructure decisions directly impact students’ lives and, in turn, the universities’ ability to attract talent. 

The potential for collaboration is immense. For universities, it’s not just about educating students but also about transferring knowledge to solve real-world problems. At Cardiff Met, we have dedicated teams bridging the gap between business needs and academic expertise. These partnerships result in innovative solutions that enhance services, increase profitability, and address societal challenges. 

Over the last two decades, universities have significantly expanded their role in fostering innovation. Today, they are not just places of learning but hubs of applied research and development. The opportunities ahead, particularly in fields like data science, cyber security, and computing, are immense. These are skills that cut across sectors and are essential for businesses of all sizes. 

Cardiff Business Club complements this by providing a platform for businesses to connect, share experiences, and learn from leaders across industries. It’s a place where businesses can voice their challenges and explore opportunities, often with input from policymakers and experts. Events like our collaboration with CBI Wales on its annual dinner, held in late November and which brought hundreds of professionals together, highlight the power of collective dialogue and collaboration. 

One pressing challenge is Wales’ low level of post-16 participation in tertiary education. This represents a missed opportunity, not just for individuals but for the region’s economy. Addressing this through upskilling and retraining initiatives is something universities and further education institutions are well-placed to lead. By equipping the workforce with transferable skills in high-demand areas, we can create a stronger, more adaptive economy. 

The synergy between Cardiff’s universities and its business community is not merely beneficial—it is essential. Universities bring knowledge, talent, and innovation, while businesses provide practical challenges and opportunities for application. Together, we can address issues like workforce development, infrastructure improvement, and economic growth in a holistic way. 

As someone straddling these two worlds, I see enormous potential. Cardiff’s future lies in its ability to harness the strengths of its universities and businesses, working together to create a city that is not only a great place to live and work but also a hub of innovation and opportunity. The foundations are strong; now, it’s about building on them.