SHARING FOR IMPACT - COLLEGE HOST INAUGURAL INNOVATION EVENT

City of Glasgow College were delighted to host UK college partners and innovation stakeholders at a Further Education Innovation Fund Networking Event and Workshop on 8 October 2024.

The event, organised by Innovate UK, was an opportunity for all 33 colleges, currently being funded by the Further Education Innovation Fund (FEIF), to connect with colleagues involved in the programme and share progress, learnings, challenges, and best practices.

The event was opened by a keynote address from Kevin Rush, Director of Regional Economic Growth at Glasgow City Region, who reinforced not only Glasgow City Region’s ambitions around innovation, but the important role our colleges will play in unlocking productivity.

The event also had contributions from colleagues at Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect, as well as Greater Manchester Further Education Innovation Programme, the Innovation hub across Coventry and Warwickshire, Birmingham Innovation Hub, the Black Country FE Innovation Service, Innovation AI at Loughborough College, South Hampshire Business Innovation Centre and the Inclusive Employment, Innovating Businesses programme at Chelmsford College.

The event also provided participants with the chance to find out about the progress being made in the College Local Innovation Centres (CLIC) project as the 6 regional colleges across Glasgow City Region continue to establish specialised Innovation Centres aligned with regional economic priorities, dedicated to driving digital innovation and productivity.

Roy Gardner, Vice Principal at City of Glasgow College, said:

“City of Glasgow College is committed to fostering a culture of innovation that supports our students and staff but also drives regional economic growth. Through initiatives like the College Local Innovation Centres and collaborations with our Further Education Innovation Fund partners, we are proud to be at the forefront of transforming local business productivity and embracing the digital future. This event is a testament to the power of collaboration in unlocking the full potential of innovation across the UK’s college sector.”

Dr Rosanna Peacock, Lead Specialist – Innovation Skills at Innovate UK added:

“The exciting work of the CLIC project is demonstrating the power of collaborative working and the transformational role FE colleges can take in supporting local business innovation. It was fantastic to see colleges from across the country coming together at the impressive Glasgow City College campus for this event.”

Read more about FEIF and to find more about the College Local Innovation Centres (CLIC) project and all 6 centres.