Innovate UK: Further Education in Innovation conference
Join Innovate UK to explore the role of Further Education Colleges in local innovation landscapes. We will be hearing from our newly established College Innovation Centres and examples of further FE colleges across the country supporting local businesses to innovate. We will also be exploring tools and support available for colleges from Innovate UK and beyond.
The event is suitable for any FE college leaders working in business innovation, or interested in entering this space. We are also open to stakeholders from local innovation ecosystems (such as combined authorities or ERBs).
Overview
There is a growing awareness of the role the Further Education sector can play in supporting business innovation and growth. Work by the Gatsby Foundation, Innovation and Research Caucus and The Productivity Institute identified this potential role for FE in local and regional innovation ecosystems, and through the Further Education Innovation Fund Innovate UK has supported 32 colleges across the UK to pilot Innovation Centres.
This event will bring together innovation leads from across the FE community, as well as interested stakeholders from local government, the catapults, college representative groups, Innovate UK and beyond.
The event is designed for delegates to share some of the exciting examples of FE innovation taking place across the country, explore support available for colleges entering this space and network with like-minded professionals.
We will hear from some of the FEIF funded Innovation Centres as well as wider examples of FE colleges across the country supporting local businesses to innovate. There will also be presentations from key stakeholders and an exploration of tools and opportunities available for colleges working in, or entering, this space.
Important note: Due to limited availability, in-person registration for this event has now been closed. Subsequently, we have opened a registration path for people to attend virtually. For virtual delegates, a Zoom link will be issued in advance of the event for attendees to watch the morning talks and post comments. If any in-person places subsequently become available, we will issue invitations to virtual attendees to switch to attend on the day, on a first come, first serve basis. A recording of the meeting will also be made available for those who cannot be there on the day.