Negotiating the entrepreneurial turn: a comparative study of the nature and impact of the knowledge exchange agendas delivered by two post-1992 universities in Northern England

Abstract

The concept of the entrepreneurial university has gained acceptance as one of active engagement in supporting the economy through knowledge exchange (KE). Extensive literature on the entrepreneurial university focuses principally on research-intensive universities, although more recent quantitative studies give some prominence to other, less research-intensive universities and their KE approach. Equally, context has been highlighted as a key KE influence. However, there is little detailed exploration of the role or impact of such universities in their specific geographical and economic contexts. This qualitative study sets out to determine a model of KE delivery for post-1992 institutions in peripheral areas of England. Through an Entrepreneurial Architecture lens to which a sixth dimension of context has been added, it takes a case study approach to two such universities and their KE delivery. Using 1) strategy documents and reports, and 2) interviews with staff, regional actors and SMEs, it examines the influence of mission and strategy, regional actors and economic and social context on the nature of their KE and its impacts. Findings show both institutions to be driven by a strong KE mission with a critical role in their regional economies, with many similarities in the content and delivery of their KE agenda, including a strong focus on SME engagement, skills and employability, and research quality. Significant differences include the extent of research-based KE and of collaboration with other HEIs. Both are particularly subject to the influence of regional context, with high levels of susceptibility to external policy and funding changes, which require them to be ready to adapt their approach. The ending of European Structural and Investment Funds will have a significant impact on the extent and nature of their KE work with SMEs, creating much greater dependence on commercial income. The study concludes with a proposed model of “core” KE delivery for post-1992 universities in peripheral areas and recommendations for a stronger place-based approach to KE policy and funding.

Date of Award	25 Jul 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Northumbria University
Supervisor	Lorraine Johnston (Supervisor) & David Charles (Supervisor)