Further Education Innovation Conference Report – May 2025

Key themes and insights

1. FE Colleges as Innovation Enablers

The conference underscored an emerging paradigm shift: FE colleges are now vital players in the UK’s innovation ecosystem, supporting business innovation, especially in underserved regions and sectors. Innovate UK’s £14.4 million Further Education Innovation Fund (FEIF) pilot, involving 32 colleges, has boosted this shift, with initial outcomes showing strong engagement and business impact.

2. Regional Impact Case Studies

• Greater Manchester: A collaborative of nine FE colleges launched the Radial Innovation Network, embedding innovation through local hubs, innovation ambassadors, and curriculum reforms. Over 1,000 businesses were reached, many for the first time.
• Glasgow City Region: The College Local Innovation Centres (CLIC) programme established six theme-aligned innovation hubs across colleges. A four-stage engagement model supported over 300 businesses, improving digital maturity and sector-specific capabilities.
• Black Country (West Midlands): The Black Country Innovation Service (BCIS), led by Walsall College, reported a £14.15 return for every £1 invested, with high inclusion rates (over 20% female-led and 23% ethnic minority-owned businesses). Over 50% of supported businesses began new R&D activities.
• South Hampshire College Group collaborated with Myra, a health-tech company, demonstrating the power of live test beds in real-world applications.

3. Innovation Beyond the FEIF

• North West Regional College in Northern Ireland has developed innovation centres in food, product design, XR, and Industry 4.0, and actively use KTPs to drive regional collaboration.
• Coleg Cambria in Wales leads AI and advanced manufacturing projects, including Internet of Things initiatives, supported by major partners, such as Welsh Government and Vodafone, and North Wales Investment Zone.
• East Kent Colleges Group developed an innovation kitchen, tailored to microbusinesses in food production.

4. Skills and Workforce Development

Talent development was recognised as foundational to innovation. Programmes embedding practical leadership and innovation skills within standard apprenticeships, equipped learners with practical innovation and leadership skills, while CPD initiatives upskilled FE staff across regions.

5. National Support and Challenges

Skills England highlighted the urgency of aligning training with the 1.4 million new jobs projected by 2035. AoC’s survey revealed growing FE commitment to innovation but flagged funding and staff capacity as ongoing barriers.

Conclusion

The conference revealed a compelling blueprint for the future: one where FE colleges are established as key pillars/players within local innovation ecosystems. With targeted support, collaborative frameworks, and a focus on inclusive growth, FE is emerging as a key driver of economic transformation across the UK. The mood was one of optimism and momentum – a clear sign that a major shift in the innovation landscape is already underway.