The fourth and latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF4) outcome has been published by Research England.
KEF4 provides a publicly available snapshot of the engagement of English universities with our economy and society in a format that encourages universities to understand and improve their performance.
The results highlight a number of strengths in BU’s knowledge exchange activities – particularly in research collaboration with external partners, where the university has achieved ‘high engagement’ and is ranked in the top 40% in England, which is better than the average ranking for similar companies. universities.
This includes a continued increase in the number of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) over the past 12 months, doubling the number of projects from two to four. The project’s partners include both local and regional SMEs, all working in areas with transformative, real impact.
For example, the current KTP project, led by data science professor Marcin Budka in collaboration with digital platform ImproveWell, is developing artificial intelligence models to transform feedback from NHS frontline workers into evidence to support decision-making and efficient use of resources.
At the same time, BU has been raising awareness of the KTP system among academics and industry partners, culminating in the hosting of Innovate UK’s annual KTP Practitioner Conference in June, attended by 200 people from across the UK higher education sector, government and private sector. in the field.
KEF’s results are published in the form of institutional dashboards, and institutions are measured on seven dimensions – including working with business, the public and the third sector; intellectual property and commercialization; and public and community participation.
BU’s performance is collected and benchmarked as part of “Cluster E”, as they are large universities with a broad portfolio of disciplines in both STEM and non-STEM fields, producing excellent research across all disciplines.
KEF4 shows BU’s overall improvement in both Collaborative Research (high engagement) and CPD and Graduate Start-Ups (average engagement) compared to the 2023 results, and also reflects our consistent performance across all other measured dimensions where we have maintained a medium engagement score. .
Professor Keith Phalp, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Quality and Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Information Exchange at Bournemouth University, said: “We are proud to be a catalyst for growth, using our skills and expertise to support our region and enrich society.
“KEF offers an opportunity to evaluate our progress in information exchange and the effects of our work. It is great to be recognized for the contribution of our staff and students in supporting this work at a regional, national and international level and making a real difference to the world around us.”
Visit the Knowledge Exchange Framework website to view institutional dashboards and learn more about KEF.