15 March 2023

We note today’s Spring Budget announcement on plans for investment zones around English universities with interest.

Last autumn we worked with Universities UK on a set of recommendations for how government can work with universities to deliver on growth, which included the creation of University Enterprise Zones (UEZ) to support start-ups, collaborative research, employer partnerships and job creation.

Wales’ universities act as anchors in communities across the country, enabling businesses and communities to benefit from knowledge exchange, and supporting them to undertake research and innovation activity that offers significant social and economic benefits.

We would expect this investment in England to generate consequentials for the devolved administrations. And this offers an opportunity for us to consider how we could use this funding to support technology clusters and UEZs here in Wales.

Through investment in initiatives such as tech hubs and UEZs, Wales’ universities can continue to act as key economic drivers, supporting businesses, creating jobs and opportunities, and boosting regeneration across the country. 

We look forward to working with Welsh Government and other stakeholders to secure investment that supports Wales’ universities’ pivotal role in contributing to economic growth and delivering for communities.