Mapping the purposes of knowledge exchange data and metrics, and their fitness for a regional economic growth mission

There is significant policy interest in the UK in strengthening local economies to fulfil their economic potential and address long-standing spatial disparities. Most recently, the Government’s (2024a) Plan for Change set out a mission-oriented approach to national renewal, with a primary mission of kickstarting economic growth across all parts of the UK. As a result, there are growing expectations on, and new opportunities for universities to play a bigger and more active role in contributing to regional growth, including through their knowledge exchange (KE) activities. A lack of fit-for-purpose KE data and metrics capturing universities’ contributions to regional growth outcomes currently hinders the abilities of KE funders to develop approaches to support these contributions, and of university leaders to align areas of research strength with the needs and opportunities of their local and regional economies.