University of Manchester launches Unit M to supercharge inclusive growth
The University of Manchester has created a new function called Unit M, to support the region’s innovation economy.
In one of the first major outward facing initiatives by new President and Vice Chancellor Duncan Ivison, the ambition of Unit M is to convene different capabilities from around the campus to “connect and catalyse the innovation ecosystem” in Manchester and the wider region to accelerate inclusive growth.
“The transformative potential of fully embracing innovation cannot be understated, both for the region and for the UK more widely,” Ivison said.
Ivison added: “Unit M lies at the heart of the University’s ambition to power an inclusive economy, positioning Manchester as a central player on the global stage to accelerate growth for all in society.”
The Unit M team is seeking to connect with entrepreneurs, investors, changemakers and business leaders who are interested in partnering with the University.
Ivison said the UK faces a myriad of interlinked urgent economic and social challenges which require faster and more inclusive growth across all parts of the country.
The University believes that cities like Manchester are critical to rebalancing growth – but lower productivity, R&D spend and start-up activity currently hinder the region in achieving its full potential.
“Manchester has experienced major change over the past 30 years, but not everyone has benefited from rising prosperity”, said Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. “Now, more than ever, we need to pioneer a new model of regional collaboration that harnesses our industrial strengths and innovation capabilities. Unit M will not only foster inclusive growth throughout Greater Manchester, but contribute to the broader prosperity of the UK.”
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester has always been a hotbed of innovation. Building on our existing strengths is vital to Manchester, and Greater Manchester, accelerating our growth at scale to generate more jobs and investment. With Unit M, The University of Manchester is doing exactly that – doubling down on innovation while encouraging even more collaboration with our business community. Further strengthening the city’s innovation ecosystem will help create jobs, investment and growth that works for everyone.”
Unit M will align with and complement existing capabilities across the University, including the University’s tech transfer office, The Innovation Factory, The Pankhurst Institute for Health Technology and the Turing Innovation Catalyst and its sector leading business engagement, student entrepreneurship, and flexible learning teams. It will also partner closely with external capabilities, including the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), local councils and other institutions.
By convening these existing innovation services across the University and its key strategic partners, Unit M will accelerate and drive the development of new opportunities to build a strong innovation economy throughout the region.