UNEE Partnership: Empowering the North East with Research, Innovation, and Job Creation

Collaboration for Progress: UNEE Secures Funding to Strengthen University-Business Partnerships

Universities for North East England (UNEE) is a strategic partnership among five universities—Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland, and Teesside—focused on enhancing higher education in the region. UNEE advocates for evidence-based policy development, increased investment, and broader access to educational opportunities. During a parliamentary event on 12 May, Chris McDonald, Labour MP for Stockton North, underscored the importance of UNEE, describing it as a key alliance that could serve as a model for other regions across the UK. He highlighted its role in providing a unified voice for the North East and affirmed strong support from himself and fellow MPs.

Acknowledging the challenges universities face, McDonald stressed the need for institutions to reassess their role in serving national interests. He highlighted the importance of universities being embedded in their local communities and praised the contributions of UNEE members: Durham for its energy research, Northumbria for space technology, Newcastle for widening access, Sunderland for medical research, and Teesside for its progress toward establishing a medical school.

The UNEE initiative was presented as an advocate for evidence-based policy, investment, and improved access to higher education. Recently, UNEE secured £8.9 million for a five-year programme aimed at enhancing collaboration between universities, businesses, and other stakeholders to drive regional growth and job creation. Additionally, UNEE is working with the North East Combined Authority to support spin-out businesses.

At the event, Kim McGuinness, Mayor of North East England, praised UNEE's formation, describing it as having "massive potential" and expressing optimism about its future achievements. The reception brought together politicians, policymakers, business leaders, and university representatives to discuss the alliance's impact and goals. Baroness Elliott of Whitburn Bay also addressed the event, outlining three key priorities for UNEE: preparing for future skills, fostering business growth, and enhancing collaboration. She noted that the five UNEE universities collectively support over 50,000 jobs, educate 125,000 students, and have secured £200 million in research funding. Furthermore, the universities are set to train 11,000 nurses, 4,000 medical professionals, and 8,000 teachers in the coming years.

Describing UNEE's work as nationally important, Baroness Elliott emphasised its timeliness and vitality. She pledged Government support and called on businesses to back the initiative. She highlighted UNEE as a prime example of cooperation for shared outcomes, particularly in a time of political fragmentation and strained institutions. Marco Amitrano, Senior Partner at PwC and a Newcastle University graduate, pointed out that UNEE universities had spun out 1,100 new businesses since 2014. He urged both the Government and businesses to support UNEE to further its impact and drive progress in the region. The UNEE partnership is proving to be a powerful force for regional development, fostering collaboration between universities, businesses, and government to create a prosperous future for North East England.

Editor’s Note:

The Universities for North East England (UNEE) initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping regional development. By bringing together higher education institutions, businesses, and local authorities, UNEE has established itself as a driving force for innovation, economic growth, and social mobility.
One of its most significant achievements is securing £8.9 million in funding for a five-year program aimed at strengthening ties between universities and businesses. This investment is not just about fostering job creation but also about enhancing research commercialisation—ensuring that academic advancements translate into tangible economic benefits. The scope of UNEE’s impact extends far beyond traditional academia. With contributions in fields such as energy research, medical studies, and space technology, the partnership is actively fueling advancements that can reshape industries and communities alike. In an era where political fragmentation and economic uncertainty continue to challenge the UK, UNEE stands out as a beacon of cooperation and shared progress.

Skoobuzz reaffirms that UNEE exemplifies the potential of cooperative efforts to drive sustainable growth, not just across the Northeast, but throughout the nation. By leveraging collective expertise and resources, the initiative is paving the way for a stronger, more resilient future.