USW joins education partners in Wales-first economic wellbeing framework

The University of South Wales (USW) is part of a groundbreaking framework which will see Higher and Further Education (HE & FE) institutions from South East Wales collaborate on key objectives for economic wellbeing in the Region.

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the first of its kind in Wales, with USW and the Region’s Further Education colleges, including the College Merthyr, Coleg Gwent, Cardiff and Vale College, Coleg Y Cymoedd, and Bridgend College.

This 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 that these institutions can deliver together.

The agreement follows USW last year becoming one of the leading partners in the £6.6m CCR City Deal Cluster Development & Growth Programme, which is driving economic development across the region by boosting job creation and skills, and unlocking barriers to growth for businesses. USW is leading the Academic-Industry Partnerships Programme, which is one of three targeted packages alongside a Skills Programme and Business Growth Programme.

Dr Louise Bright, Pro Vice Chancellor for Enterprise, Engagement and Partnerships at USW, said: “Working together with our colleagues in the region’s other FE and HE institutions can only be good for the partners and the wider community.

“Our experience of being involved South Wales Civic Engagement Partnership (SWCEP) has already allowed us to build relationships which support the Civic Mission Agenda, and this can only enhance those efforts to support local and regional needs.

“I look forward to supporting the aims of the MoU, and working closely with those in the Region who are passionate about backing the expansion and improvement of its educational provision.”

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."