Bournemouth University supported the pitch for investment into innovation across the region at the UK’s largest investment and infrastructure conference.
BU, representing higher and further education in Dorset, joined Talbot Village Trust and BCP Council in promoting The Talbot Quarter at UKREiiF – the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum – held in Leeds.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Alison Honour joined a panel discussion alongside Professor Rob Middleton of the university’s Orthopaedic Research Institute, Ian Cheung of Talbot Village Trust and leader of BCP Council Millie Earl.
The panel shared their vision for the future of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, as a hub for innovation in key industries such as medical technology, robotics, creative and digital, centring on the planned Innovation Quarter, next to the university’s Talbot Campus.
The discussion was housed in the Great South West tent, supported by the pan-regional partnership, and showcased the strengths of the region, as well as the investment already taking place by organisations such as JP Morgan and AFC Bournemouth.
Professor Honour spoke about the strength of the three universities and FE Colleges in the region, creating a talent pipeline of graduates ready to boost regional skills. Talking about the university’s BU2035 strategy, Professor Honour shared the vision of digital capability and capacity, recent funding success in cyber security and defence, and the university’s world leading reputation in animation and visual effects. These examples offered opportunities for investment in innovation across a range of industries.
Professor Rob Middleton gave examples of the innovation already taking place in the region, specifically through the Orthopaedic Research Institute and significant advances into robotic surgery and technology, which are revolutionising the sector and how we will design hospitals into the future. Professor Middleton spoke about the potential for the region to become the largest hub for future-ready healthcare outside of the US.
Speaking at the event, Professor Honour said, “Our new BU2035 strategy gives us the roadmap for growth, with innovation, place and partnerships at its heart. Through recent funding bids, international partnerships, and investment in our facilities, we’re already showing innovative thinking in how we’re ready to support regional innovation, and to deliver a pipeline of talented students ready to bring the skills the region needs.
“We’re proud to work alongside our partners to share our passion for our region, and our confidence that this is an innovative region ready to support growth and investment for an exciting future.”
BCP Council leader Millie Earl shared the Council’s plans for growth in the region, as well as the investment already taking place, to give confidence to investors that the region is ready and prepared for growth.
Talbot Village Trust’s CEO, Ian Cheung shared the wider vision for the Innovation Quarter, bringing together innovative businesses alongside creative and community spaces, and creating spaces next to the university for students to interact with businesses, declaring that the region is ‘ready and open for business’.
For more information about the Innovation Quarter, visit: https://talbotvillagetrust.org/our-estate/talbot-quarter/
For more information about the university’s BU2035 strategy, visit the BU website.
