What’s new: Keele has been ranked among the top universities in England for regional impact in several areas in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework.
Why it matters: The assessment recognises Keele’s work with businesses, public and third sector organisations, communities and regional economic development.
By the numbers: Plans for Keele Innovation District are expected to support 13,000 jobs and contribute £1 billion to the local economy, alongside a proposed £500m advanced ceramics research centre.
Keele’s work with businesses and contributions to local growth have been praised in a national assessment from a government research body.
The latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF6), published today by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has seen Keele ranked among the top universities in England for regional impact in several different areas.
The assessment looks at how universities share their knowledge with partners for the benefit of the economy and society.
Keele scored particularly highly this year for its work with local businesses, contributions to local growth and regeneration, public engagement, and collaboration with the public and third sectors.
This recognition reinforces Keele’s ongoing role in supporting economic growth, innovation, and collaboration across the region.
Highlights this year have included a leading life sciences company based at Keele which is expanding its headquarters and manufacturing operations after securing major government funding, as well as work by a Keele researcher to improve community support for place-based decarbonisation schemes.
Keele also unveiled its plans for Keele Innovation District in 2026, will support 13,000 jobs and contribute £1 billion to the local economy, and support high value businesses including a planned new £500m centre for advanced ceramics research which has been proposed by technology company Lucideon.
Professor Mark Ormerod OBE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, said:
“I’m delighted that Keele has once again performed very strongly in the UK Knowledge Exchange Framework, in particular being ranked very highly nationally for our work with business and for our local growth and regeneration, and for our public and community engagement, our work with public and third sector organisations, and our research partnerships.
“These are testament to our civic mission and engagement and our important role in supporting economic growth, innovation and collaboration across the region.”
Why the Signal exists
Real news takes time. Thanks for taking yours.
You've just read a story that took time to get right. No clickbait, no racing to be first, no ads chasing you down the page.
I started The Staffordshire Signal because I got fed up of local news that chased clicks instead of stories. We're independent, not-for-profit, IMPRESS-regulated and owned right here, so we answer to nobody but you.
The honest bit: local news only survives if local people choose it. If we don't, it goes.
Jenna GoodwinFounder and Editor, The Staffordshire Signal
Love what we do?
Buy us an oatcake! Cheese and bacon, if you're feeling generous. Every tip goes straight into local reporting.
Buy us an oatcakeMiss a proper paper?
Staffordshire's only regional printed magazine, full of stories worth sitting down with, delivered to your door.
Get it deliveredFollow on WhatsApp
Our stories, dropped straight into your phone. No group chat chaos, we promise.
Join the channelFind something good to do this week
Markets, gigs, history talks and family days out across Staffordshire. Running an event? Add it to our guide and let the county know.
Run a Staffordshire business?
Our readers keep the Signal going, and the businesses who advertise with us help keep it free for everyone. Reach people who read to the end, across our magazine, Signal Weekly, Signal TV and website.
