Globally recognised expertise
There is a wealth of expertise in the South West. The
region boasts 13 HEIs with over 70 5* star departments, and a
diverse public sector research landscape, including the MET
office, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the Campden and
Chorleywood Food Research Association. These organisations carry
out world leading research and provide key technical innovation for
important South West sectors.
Higher Education makes a crucial contribution
to the region’s economy. It plays a fundamental role in improving
the competitiveness of the region through supply of new graduates
and postgraduates, upskilling the current workforce, and
contributing to knowledge capital and knowledge exchange with
business.
The South West has eight universities and
five higher education colleges, 40 Further Education Colleges and
14 Higher Education Institutes. A high proportion of research done
by these institutions is rated as world-leading (4*) and
internationally excellent (3*) according to the latest Research
Assessment Exercise.
Many Public Sector Research Establishments
(PSREs), such as the Met Office and the Health Protection Agency
also have a presence in the South West. These establishments carry
out recognised world class research and form a vital part of the
South West innovation infrastructure.
The South West is also home to many Research
and Technology Organisations (RTOs), such as Campden BRI Food
Research Association and the UK Hydrographic Office. These
establishments carry out recognised world-class research and form a
vital part of the South West innovation infrastructure.