Birmingham City University has been recognised for its commitment to innovation by becoming the first institution in the West Midlands – and only the second in the country – to be awarded a major national accreditation.
Posted 01 November 2021
Ground-breaking research and driving innovation
The University’s Research, Innovation, Enterprise and Employability (RIEE) directorate has achieved the Investor in Innovations Standard from the UK’s Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (IKE).
The Standard recognises how the University has worked with businesses and partners to drive innovation and growth, as well as the research taking place across the institution which is breaking new ground in a range of disciplines.
The Investor in Innovations Standard marks out organisations as leaders in innovation and key exemplars for other businesses. It is aligned and mapped to the internationally recognised ISO 56002 Innovation Management Systems guidance.
The leading body for innovation
The IKE Institute is the UK's professional body for innovators. It was created 20 years ago in order to add validity, quality and consistency to innovation in business, a term that had begun to be used frequently by many without a solid understanding of what it meant.
IKE Institute’s work is guided by the Innovation Council, which brings together senior business leaders representing different economic sectors, including Rolls-Royce, GSK, Balfour Beatty Vinci and the BBC.
Becoming the only institution in the Midlands to receive the accreditation solidifies BCU’s position as the University for Birmingham, enabling the University to offer more courses and professional support to the region’s businesses, helping them to better understand and utilise innovation.
Key driver for the future
Professor Julian Beer feels the accreditation reinforces the University’s commitment to innovation, and will be a key driver for future work.
“Universities have an essential role to play in their communities and by placing innovation at the heart of the work we do, we can make sure the way we serve our residents continues to grow and develop,” Julian says.
“We are also very pleased to become the first Investor in Innovations University in the Midlands, and we look forward to our continued collaboration with the IKE Institute.”
