1. Defining University of Warwick’s place in its region – 2015-65 Presentation to Urban University Conference Name David Marlow, Third Life Economics Date 2 nd July 2015

2. Introductions... David Marlow University of Warwick Commissions The Chancellor’s Commission 2015

3. University of Warwick (UoW) – the first fifty years... From one of ‘seven sisters’...to a UK ‘top ten’ global research institution The 2012/13 EIA The 50 th Anniversary celebration...and the global reach...but what about the relationship to its own regional and local places?

4. Assembling and incepting the Commission... Selecting and appointing Commissioners Desk Research First round of consultations with local leadership teams Defining the KLOIs and 2015-20 propositions Determining a process to December 2015 and beyond

5. The HE context – anchor institutions and ‘last part of the public estate left standing...’ Local and national pressures to contribute to leadership and development of place Anchor institutions and relatively cash rich in the age of local public austerity

6. The local and regional context – ‘jewels...but where is the crown?’ JLR and advanced manufacturing corridor Coventry with two ‘top 15’ HEIs But an average or poorly performing ‘metro’ on most socio-economic indicators......and an uncertain region post deconstruction of West Midlands

7. What our local colleagues and partners told us... UoW an admired and valued asset with improving local engagement, but sometimes inconsistent and aloof Difference in character with Coventry University – and concern the two HEIs should act more in tandem Not always as high a visibility and understanding of UoW from local and regional partners to make the most of UoW potential

8. Defining the KLOIs and key propositions What represents relevant (national and international) 'good practice' in University contributions to 'place‘ How can the city, the wider LEP area,(and Midlands) make the most of two strong and contrasting HEIs within its area? How can UoW better contribute to future economic and social success of major communities and neighbourhoods in which our students and staff live? What has to change at UoW and in local leadership teams to deliver exemplary UoW contribution to place?

9. The ‘difficult issues’ Can UoW convene an independent commission about itself? NOT a traditional, descriptive, ‘incidental impact’ EIA – more reflective deliberative, ‘mission-driven’ and change-oriented Do local leadership teams understand HEIs and does UoW understand local leadership? Is it about responding to local and regional demands/ambitions or shaping them? Should UoW seek a corporate or polycentric approaches across its ‘family’ of entities? Sorting out different levels and modes of contribution –Good neighbour and co-designer locally... –Anchor and co-anchor in C&W –One of multiple HEIs in Midlands (e.g. M6...)

10. The programme going forward Hearings/Panels/Round- tables Digital Platform and Collaboratory Third party events The informal leadership deliberations Junior commission and action learning... Launch and follow-up – December 2015 & beyond

11. Read across to other HEIs and civic/urban university developments... Most universities increasingly acknowledge some responsibilities for place shaping......but often ad hoc and inconsistent – from xxxopolis’s to UTC academies to science parks to dual use facilities etc... Need for ‘Civic/Urban University and other models...and for research, action-learning and evaluation on and of practice Beyond universities talking to each other...

12. Potential propositions for national policy-making Are Universities part of or outside ongoing England devolution debates? Within a national system are there incentives for better leadership and contributions to place -e.g. –Investment funds (ESIF, LGF +) –UEZ+ –CGC-type recommendations –REF Impact 2020 etc

13. Concluding remarks... Are HEIs now under an obligation to deliver some type of ‘civic mission’? How do we define the character and nature of that obligation? Are we ‘reinventing’ the civic university, or is this something entirely new? Are exercises like the UoW Commission part of the toolbox for future planning and management?

14. D.Marlow@warwick.ac.uk DavidMarlow@thirdlifeeconomics.co.uk Thank you