Universities are catalysts and crucial ingredient to success of city region
Collaboration is key
Effective connections and collaboration are key to advancing an inclusive and sustainable economy and driving forward social mobility, according to former Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Justine Greening.
The Chair of the Purpose Coalition spoke to an audience of more than 150 people at LJMU’s latest Roscoe Lecture at St George’s Hall, Liverpool, where she examined the critical role of universities and LJMU in driving regional growth.
She said: “I believe universities are the catalyst and crucial ingredient to drive social mobility and equality of opportunity, and LJMU is such a big part of that for the city.”
If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.
Rt Hon Justine Greening
“That brilliant African proverb has stuck with me since I was International Development Secretary as it resonates the importance of joining together to drive forward social mobility and equality of opportunity, and for Liverpool John Moores University, they are right at the heart of making that a reality for thousands of people every single year."
Importance of place
Ahead of the lecture, LJMU and the Purpose Coalition held a roundtable discussion on campus focusing on inclusive growth in the Liverpool City Region and the powerful role of place in advancing a modern, inclusive and sustainable UK economy.
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Led by LJMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Mark Power and Rt Hon Justine Greening, the session brought together leaders from local government, business and civic organisations.
The discussion explored how partnerships between anchor institutions and local stakeholders can be scaled to deliver long-term, place-led transformation, connecting economic development with social mobility.
Breaking down barriers
The event also marked the launch of the second joint ‘Breaking Down Barriers’ report which presents a continuing commentary on how the university aligns its objectives and aims in addressing the socio-economic barriers faced by people in accessing and succeeding in higher education.
With 45% of LJMU students from the most deprived areas of the city region, working in partnership with industry, education and civic organisation, to develop strategies to support economic growth, is key to LJMU’s equity work and place and partnership delivery plan.
LJMU’s regional impact at a glance:
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LJMU supplies more graduate employees into the Liverpool City Region economy than any other university (28% of the overall graduate intake)
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50% of all employed LJMU graduates start their careers in the city region each year and approximately 70% in the North West.
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95% of LJMU students are in employment or further study 15 months after graduating
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The proportion of LJMU undergraduates gaining high-skilled roles has grown by 7% over the last four years - four times faster than the UK’s higher education sector overall.
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There are more than 250 LJMU graduate start-up firms in the Liverpool City Region.
Find out more about the collaboration between LJMU and the Purpose Coalition and read the joint Breaking Down Barriers Report here.
