Pictured above: Outlining a vision: Beverley Nielsen,
Director Employer Engagement at Birmingham City University at the
inaugural ID Birmingham Leaders' Network event
Leaders in the fields of innovation and design gathered at a
forum hosted by Birmingham City University to help "galvanise local
government, academia and business" to give the West Midlands an
even sharper competitive edge.
Following the example of global innovation capitals such as
Boston and Cambridge, a new action group called Innovation : Design
Birmingham or ID Birmingham Leaders' Network has been set up
to focus on fully exploiting the region's innovation and design
capabilities.
Representatives from Jaguar Land Rover, Aga Rangemaster, Morgan
Motor Company, Glenn Howells Architects, Birmingham City Council,
the influential think-tank the Work Foundation, plus regional
universities, professional bodies and local creative industries
attended an inaugural dinner hosted at Birmingham City University's
School of Jewellery.
Frustrated with other cities taking the limelight, this
influential group of "think and do" stakeholders share an ambition
to make sure Birmingham and the region is properly recognised
internationally for its innovation excellence.
The network will help cement stronger links between business and
civic leaders with top academic experts and policy advisors to
focus on applying the best in design to boost regional growth.
Graduate employability will be a key feature of the initiative
with students and graduates encouraged to bring their fresh ideas
to real world applications. To help showcase up-and-coming talent
the network has pledged to support an awards scheme and
exhibition.
"This is a very exciting opportunity. We have gathered some of
the best names in West Midlands enterprise, along with top
academics and policy advisors," said Beverley Nielsen, Director
Employer Engagement at Birmingham City University and brainchild
behind the network.
"Birmingham and the West Midlands is a region that has an
outstanding heritage in innovation and many of our top companies
achieve global success through their brilliant design.
"This region is unique and by bringing together 'think and do'
representatives from business, academia and leadership we have the
potential to create a real international powerhouse in the West
Midlands."
Innovation, design and creativity are the drivers to Birmingham
City University's employer engagement strategy.