UK universities and local councils are turning to innovative partnerships to secure nearly £1 billion in funding and drive inclusive growth.
Universities UK is warning that the higher education sector faces a £1.4 billion net loss, while local authority debt has soared to £122 billion, according to BBC analysis. A recent Key Cities survey also revealed that 60% of councils plan to sell assets to maintain essential services such as adult and children’s social care.
In response, universities and councils are seeking partnership-based innovation funding that requires collaboration between civic institutions, academia, and private industry.
The inaugural i-PLACE 25 conference, organised by Key Cities Innovations Network, is gathering university, council, and industry leaders to explore how innovation districts and ecosystems boost growth and opportunity across the UK.
Under the theme of “Innovation Districts and Ecosystems: Boosting Growth and Opportunity,” the event features a breakfast session with Audra Gill, Head of Creative Industries at the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), discussing nearly £1 billion of partnership funding, including:
- £500m UKRI Local Innovation Partnerships Fund
- £150m Creative Places Growth Fund from DCMS, devolved to six mayoral authorities
- A new £100m+ open call under the AHRC Creative Industries Clusters Programme (launching January 2026)
The conference also showcases pioneering local innovation projects from nine universities within the Key Cities Innovation Network, highlighting successful case studies of partnerships that deliver tangible economic and social impact.
Speakers include:
- Prof. Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University in North Wales
- Laura Dyer, Deputy Chief Executive, Arts Council England
- Audra Gill, Head of Creative Industries, AHRC
- Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford
- Cleo Newcombe-Jones, Sustainable Places & Regeneration Service Manager at Bath & North East Somerset Council
- Elaine Hayes, CEO of the UK’s first National Marine Park at Plymouth Sound
The Key Cities Innovation Network connects universities, local government, parliamentarians, and civic stakeholders across 24 towns and cities. Current university members include Bath Spa University, University of Bradford, Coventry University, University of Essex, Lancaster University, University of Lincoln, University of Plymouth, University of Salford, University of South Wales, University of Southampton, and Wrexham University.
Prof. Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University in North Wales, said:
“At Wrexham University, our 2030 strategy is rooted in the belief that collaboration unlocks solutions for communities. Through the Key Cities Innovation Network, we are proud to work alongside civic partners to drive inclusive growth and create opportunities that matter locally and nationally. Together, we can turn shared challenges into innovation that transforms lives and strengthens places.”
