A groundbreaking agreement is bringing together higher and further education institutions across South East Wales to collaborate on economic wellbeing.

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, the University of South Wales (USW) and the region’s Further Education (FE) colleges, including Merthyr Tydfil, Coleg Gwent, Cardiff and Vale College, Coleg Y Cymoedd and Bridgend College.

The agreement is the first of its kind in Wales, and forms a framework for future collaboration based on key objectives for economic wellbeing in the region.

CCR says that each of the institutions has a significant role to play in embracing the regional growth agenda and ensuring civic commitments to inclusivity and sustainability are at the heart of new and emerging initiatives.

Since 2017 CCR has worked successfully with regional universities and FE on transformative projects, leveraging significant research and innovation funding for the region. This includes being the only UK region to land two UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Strength In Places Fund initiatives – CSConnected & Media Cymru – with a combined value of almost £100 million.

This further commitment will ensure alignment on regional ambitions and create further opportunities for business engagement, collaborative learning, teaching and R&D, allowing CCR to gather the expertise these institutions can deliver together.

Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, said:

“I am delighted that Higher and Further Education partners are uniting in their support of our regional ambitions. This builds on CCR’s endeavours to form a coalition of the willing, bringing together the people and organisations who can contribute to our mission for a bigger, greener and fairer region.”

Kellie Beirne, CEO, Cardiff Capital Region, said:

“This partnership demonstrates a significant coming together of educational and research institutions and a newly established regional public body, allowing us to align our efforts to advance our civic missions together. Innovation stands as the cornerstone of our future, and our joint commitment to collaborate and forge a new path provides the best chance of building sustainability and resilience in the face of ongoing change and challenge. By formalising our relationships, we lay the groundwork for regional impact and future sustainable growth and a recognition that together we can achieve more.”