Memorandum from the University of Northampton
(EM 18)
The University of Northampton wishes to write
in support of emda.
emda work hard to deliver its role of
delivering sustainable economic development.
It has significantly improved its strategic
approach to the universities in the region through enhanced 1:1 consultation
with universities on a regular basis, through collaboration with
the East Midlands Universities Association (EMUA) and through
open and transparent development of the RES and other strategies—such
as the Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS).
We believe the RES and the RIS in particular
are relevant to the East Midlands. The priorities are clear and
well evidenced. here was widespread consultation and a general
sense that concerns were listened to.
The RDA has to be complimented on devolving
substantial sums to sub-regional partnerships equating to some
35% of budget. In Northamptonshire, the Northamptonshire Enterprise
Ltd (NEL) offers a coherent economic development body integrated
with tourism, inward investment, observatory and regeneration.
This is an example of "best practice". In particular,
the sub regional approach of emda means they have full
cognisance of the Government's MKSM growth agenda which provides
so much opportunity in the south of the emda region.
The RES seems to be effective regionally according
to evidence such as the ECOTEC evaluation of March 2009, and at
county level through the NEL annual reports.
The effect of the economic downturn has been
felt in the region. emda have responded rapidly with short
term measures such as events and guidance. The universities have
worked with emda to produce a guide to university services
to help companies find their way out of recession. emda
have worked closely with EMUA to ensure web-based and other forms
of communication are in place to encourage university-business
interaction.
The University of Northampton is the only university
in the county of Northamptonshire. Given the rural nature of much
of our local catchment we believe that emda have enabled
a fair distribution of resources across the rural-urban continuum.
On the sustainability agenda this university
is happy to confirm the progress led by emda. Through the
Regional Innovation Strategy emda tendered for an innovative
network (iNet) on the "environment" as one of four such
networks. The University of Northampton led a consortium of the
region's universities, businesses and other bodies including the
Building Research Establishment, to bid for—and win—the
contract.
Subsequently the University has worked very
closely with emda to attract match funding from the West
Northants Development Corporation, Daventry District Council and
Northamptonshire County Council to create a unique Centre for
Sustainable Construction. This £10 million facility
will house 55 start-up companies working on new products
to reduce waste, water and energy in the built environment. The
Centre will provide an auditorium to seat 300 for events
and conferences. The university intends to be an anchor tenant
in this exciting initiative that is already attracting international
attention.
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