University knowledge exchange activities play a crucial role in supporting national and local growth across the UK. UUK, GuildHE and PraxisAuril are committed to supporting and promoting university knowledge exchange and enhancing the contribution it can make to stimulating economic growth across all regions and nations. The Knowledge Exchange Concordat provides a comprehensive and supportive framework for increasing the effectiveness of knowledge exchange and the development year has encouraged innovation, reflection, improvement and collaboration in knowledge exchange activities.
To build on this success, ensure future sustainability for the KEC and to enhance its developmental impact, the KEC Strategy Group has agreed that the KEC will be led across the UK by PraxisAuril, the professional body for knowledge exchange from April 2024. UUK, GuildHE and other partners will continue their support and engagement. This is a significant opportunity to increase the impact of the KEC through deeper engagement with those working in knowledge exchange and through closer alignment with PraxisAuril professional standards. PraxisAuril will continue to engage with the wide range of partners who have supported the KEC and it will remain open to all universities across the UK to engage with the KEC.
PraxisAuril, with UUK/GuildHE and other partner support, will engage with the sector to review and develop the KEC framework and associated processes to ensure that it maximises developmental impact whilst minimising the resources required to participate.
“The Knowledge Exchange Concordat has been a significant success, providing an important framework for institutions to learn from each other. UUK and GuildHE are proud of the role we have played in establishing the KEC. As well as supporting the development of KE within institutions it is an important part of the sector’s efforts to support knowledge exchange, innovation, enterprise, growth, levelling up and wider social and community engagement. We are jointly committed to working with the four UK funding bodies, UKRI, PraxisAuril, NCUB, NCCPE and others to build on the success and learn the lessons of the development year to ensure the KEC continues to fulfil its key role in universities’ missions in its next phase.” Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive UUK, Gordon McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer GuildHE
“The KEC has been instrumental in understanding the purpose and practice of Knowledge Exchange at an institutional level during its development year. Many PraxisAuril members have contributed to the exercise and remain committed to the KEC principles as a framework for KE strategy development. PraxisAuril is delighted to be taking on leadership of the future KEC programme and we look forward to engaging with the KEC community to ensure it meets their needs whilst also informing national KE policy and funding programmes.” Stuart Wilkinson, Chief Executive and Tamsin Mann, Head of Policy, PraxisAuril