The importance of place in public policy has rarely been more visible.
From the UK Government’s growth missions and industrial strategy to devolution deals and innovation funding, there’s now a tangible recognition that universities must be seen as more than providers of education and research, but as strategic and proactive partners to drive regional and national growth.
Place is about people, relationships, and shared futures. Universities have a unique role to play, as civic institutions rooted in their communities and connected to the world.
When we speak about partnering for place, I believe we’re really talking about reimagining the social contract between universities and the places they serve. This goes beyond outreach or impact metrics. It’s about embedding collaboration into how we plan, how we invest, and how we think about our institutional purpose. It’s about taking time to understand our places – what is important to local leaders and communities, and to articulate clearly how we as universities can contribute. This is what I’m proud to say we’ve embodied at Newcastle University, in what is being increasingly described as a fourth generation university.
Fourth generation universities
Throughout history, universities have continually redefined their purpose. The first generation devoted itself to teaching, shaping minds for the future. The second generation advanced this mission, placing research at its core and unlocking new realms of knowledge. The third generation pushed further, embracing innovation and knowledge exchange to bridge academia with society.
Now, we stand at the dawn of fourth generation universities – institutions that unite all these strengths under one bold vision: working hand in hand with communities to create lasting, meaningful change. These universities don’t just educate – they inspire and empower. They nurture talent to prepare the workforce for the future in line with jobs needs, they spark innovation, and cultivate thriving local ecosystems that lift everyone.
Think of fourth-generation universities as catalysts for transformation – driving solutions, forging powerful partnerships, and delivering real impact that shapes a brighter, better future for us all.
She may not have used the same terminology, but this is effectively what the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, was driving at in her letter to all vice chancellors following the Autumn Budget last year. In it, she made it clear that government expects universities to collaborate more, support economic growth, widen opportunities and deliver efficiencies, presenting a clear quid pro quo if the sector is to argue for further investment.
UNEE
It is timely then, that Universities UK has launched a new working group dedicated to Civic and Local Growth, of which I am a member and is chaired by our Vice Chancellor Chris Day. The enthusiasm across the sector for working with and for the places and communities we call home is manifest. Our challenge, however, is to move beyond showcasing individual success stories and toward articulating a coherent, collective offer from the sector: a vision for how universities, working together and with others, can shape the places they serve.
We must also do more to evidence the value we offer to policymakers and the public. This includes showing how all of us, regardless of the kind of university, or the different context, can collectively deliver greater economic and social impact.
Regional consortia are already starting to deliver this. Through Universities for North East England (UNEE) we are providing a unified voice for higher education and working with our mayoral authorities to make an even greater contribution towards shaping a more prosperous and resilient future for our region. Our strength lies in the diversity of each institution and our extensive global, national and regional networks. It is this collaboration, not competition, that will drive the economic, educational, social and cultural success of our cities, towns and wider region.
I am encouraged to hear similar examples from across the country, including Yorkshire Universities and Midlands Innovation. I believe we must build on this to ensure that voices are heard from all parts of the country if we are to establish resilient local economies.
People, communities, and their future
It would be remiss not to acknowledge the financial challenges facing our sector at the moment, and the reasons for this are well rehearsed. At such times, it is tempting to focus on our own needs ahead of prioritising partnership working. I would argue that now is exactly the time we should be partnering in place, not least because there is much we can learn from other local partners when it comes to dealing with, and adapting to, funding challenges. But also because it becomes much easier to make the case for further investment when taxpayers can see the value of higher education for their communities and feel the wider benefits that universities bring.
Ultimately, I maintain place is not just a policy priority. It’s personal. It’s about our people, our communities, and our futures. Collaboration is the key to unlocking our full potential and ensuring a sustainable future.
