Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has been recognised for its work in local growth, regeneration and community engagement in a new government report looking into how English universities serve the economy and society for the benefit of the public, business and communities.
The university is working with many local businesses, organisations and start-ups to champion creative entrepreneurial skills and talent in the region, and counts among its partners the RNLI, Lush, and a range of small to medium sized businesses.
Local real-time intelligence provider IOT Solutions has been working with AUB to develop prototypes of their sensors. Founder Emma Mahy said: “The primary challenges we needed to overcome were associated with moving our engineering research and development programme onto the next phase; moving from prototype hardware to production ready devices.
“Without learning about the possibilities available for prototypes and without the support of the broader AUB team we would have struggled to develop and refine a production ready product –AUB’s support has been invaluable to us.”
Sponsored by the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Research England have released the Knowledge Exchange Framework or KEF, which identifies and evidences areas of expertise for universities in key areas. The report highlighted AUB’s work in areas of public and community engagement, skills, enterprise and entrepreneurship, and local growth and regeneration.
AUB’s Innovation Team are responsible for the institution’s longstanding connections with industry and have launched a number of collaborative projects with brands like LoveLove Film, LV, Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, Virgin Startup and both Bestival and Larmer Tree Festivals.
Daniel Cox, Knowledge and Exchange Manager at AUB said: “AUB is proud to be alongside some of the country’s top universities for our community engagement and commitment to local growth and regeneration. Through vibrant and varied collaborations with a wide range of businesses and organisations both large and small, AUB continues to promote an emphasis on the shared prosperity of the region through the development of skills, knowledge and expertise.”
He added: “The Knowledge Excellence Framework helps us to formalise this important work, and we are keen acknowledge the brilliant work of our local partners, who strive to better Dorset’s economy; developing key skills and encouraging the future success of the area.”
Work to complete the university’s brand-new Innovation Studio will complete later this year, providing a base for small business start-ups across Dorset who’ll be able to use AUB’s state-of-the-art specialist equipment to research, innovate and develop entrepreneurial ideas.
Ranked Gold for ‘consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes’ in the Teaching Excellence Framework, the university has twice been recognised by The Royal Anniversary Trust for ‘outstanding work in education for the film industry’ and ‘distinguished degree level education in costume design for the UK’s leading creative industries’.
AUB’s notable alumni include Film Directors Joe Cornish and Edgar Wright, Fashion Photographer Nick Knight, and renowned Architect Professor Sir Peter Cook.
