BCU in UK-first with the launch of Centre for Brexit Studies
WHILE businesses may be fretting about the impact of Brexit on the UK economy, an academic institution in Birmingham is turning the situation to its advantage.
Reflecting the seismic shift Brexit has posed to British politics, Birmingham City University is launching a Centre for Brexit Studies this month.
The new centre has been created to further enhance understanding of the consequences of the UK withdrawing from the European Union (EU).
The Centre for Brexit Studies (CBS) will promote engagement of both ‘Leave’ and ‘Remain’ standpoints, while providing collaborative opportunities with businesses, professional organisations and civil society.
Accessible to the general public, the Centre will host conferences, workshops and seminars to share knowledge in relation to sectors expected to be impacted by Brexit, including cultural identity, hate crime and radicalisation, climate change and national security.
Alex de Ruyter, director of research at Birmingham City University’s Business School and chair of the launch event, said: “With the vote of the UK to leave the EU it is now crucial to gain an understanding of the complexities that Brexit entails for individuals, communities, business and government, whilst clearing up misconceptions around its impact.
“Whilst CBS will have a national focus it will also specifically investigate the impact of Brexit on Birmingham and the surrounding areas.”
Professor Julian Beer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, added: “We will also be launching our report entitled ‘Making a Success of Brexit’. To our understanding, no other region in England has yet come up with such a plan – one that features a triple contribution from local government, industry and academia.”
