The Hidden Story: Mapping knowledge exchange partnerships for the Creative Economy

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The purpose of this research is to develop a new methodology for understanding the extent, nature and impact of universities' knowledge exchange partnerships within England and Wales' Creative Economy. This will build on the work of earlier University Alliance research, such as Creating Innovative Regions (2016), identifying the crucial leadership and connecting roles universities play via: longstanding graduate networks; close relations with local businesses and public sector bodies; their alignment to regional strengths; the extent to which they act as hubs for KE activity; and their contribution to the Creative Economy ecosystem. It will also build on the analysis of the AHRC's Knowledge Exchange hubs and Brighton Fuse.The pilot takes Alliance universities as a test case for developing the new methodology to tell the 'hidden story' of partnership activities, with broadened access allowing us to combine robust data mapping techniques with qualitative analyses to reveal underlying factors and insights. The study takes place within an institutional context, and therefore needs to take into account existing frameworks, priorities, investment strategies, governance, organisational structures, external engagement, labour divisions, reward systems, resources, expertise, and cultural doctrines. Situating KE operations within the wider ecosystem - in a similar manner to the innovation studies around regional economic development attempted by many geographers - will also allow us to address not just outcomes, but include the power relations and decision-making processes missed by other studies.In doing this, the project will undertake a gap analysis identifying the limits of existing data sets, and will seek to make recommendations for institutions and policy makers accordingly that will address existing systems and practices. Although the focus will be local, exploring the role of universities as 'anchors' in their regions, the mapping exercise will also examine existing Alliance KE partnership activities with international development potential.