Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) has marked a significant milestone by signing a pioneering agreement with Cardiff Metropolitan University and other Higher and Further Education (HE & FE) institutions from South East Wales.
The landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a framework for future collaboration, centred around key objectives for enhancing economic wellbeing within the region.
The MoU is the first-of-its-kind in Wales, bringing together the three universities based in Wales’ capital, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, and the University of South Wales (USW), alongside the Region’s Further Education colleges, including Merthyr Tydfil, Coleg Gwent, Cardiff and Vale College, Coleg Y Cymoedd, and Bridgend College.
This collaboration ensures that the broader region reaps the rewards of cooperative efforts, with Cardiff Met poised to play a significant role in advancing the regional growth agenda, while championing inclusivity and sustainability.
The news follows the announcement on Friday that Cardiff School of Management has received the Business School Impact System (BSIS) label from the European Foundation for Management Development for the economic impact it has on the Cardiff Capital Region, which was valued at £169million each year.
Professor Rachael Langford, Cardiff Met’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “Cardiff Metropolitan University is excited to be part of this unprecedented collaboration with Cardiff Capital Region.
“Through our research, innovation and teaching, we are committed to supporting a prosperous Cardiff Capital Region and look forward to working with our new partners to support the business community, upskill the workforce and deliver wider public benefits across south-east Wales.
“This announcement follows the news last week that Cardiff Met’s business school, Cardiff School of Management, has become the first in Wales and just the third in the UK to receive the Business School Impact System (BSIS) label from the European Foundation for Management Development in recognition of the positive economic impact the School has on the Cardiff Capital Region.
“Now this groundbreaking agreement sets the stage for a transformative collaboration aimed at driving economic prosperity and societal advancement.”
Building upon successful collaborations since 2017, CCR and regional HE and FE partners have spearheaded transformative projects, securing substantial research and innovation funding for the region. Notably, the region stands as the sole UK recipient of two UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) Strength In Places Fund initiatives – CSConnected & Media Cymru – worth nearly £100 million combined.
This renewed commitment through the MoU underscores alignment with regional ambitions and opens up avenues for increased business engagement, collaborative learning, teaching, and research and development (R&D). Through this collaboration, CCR stands to harness the collective expertise of these institutions, driving forward shared goals and aspirations.
Reflecting on the launch, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, expressed her enthusiasm, stating: “I am delighted that Higher and Further education partners are uniting in their support of our regional ambitions. This builds on CCR’s endeavours to form a coalition of the willing, bringing together the people and organizations who can contribute to our mission for a bigger, greener, and fairer region.”
