Abbie Kempe explains the important role that universities in supporting regional growth and innovation.

Canterbury Christ Church University recently attended UKREiiF (UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) as part of the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone partnership. As the only University from Kent and Medway within the delegation, we represented the knowledge economy.

The forum plays an important role in bringing together investment, policy and place-making, and provides a platform to showcase how regions like ours are aligning infrastructure, skills and innovation to drive long-term growth. The visit from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, to the Gatwick Region stand further underlined the national significance of infrastructure investment and the role of regions in delivering economic growth.

UKREiiF reflects a broader shift in how regional growth is delivered through connected, place-based ecosystems rather than isolated projects. Universities are central to this model, helping to shape investment-ready places that integrate research, workforce capability and business innovation from the outset.

At Canterbury Christ Church University, this is reflected in our role as a civic, place-based institution. Around 60% of our students are from Kent and Medway, with approximately 2,600 graduates entering the regional workforce each year, and around 80% of them are staying locally. Over 80% of those graduates move into public service and key worker roles, supported by nearly 8,800 placements across regional employers.

Collaboration enables this impact to scale. In an SME-led economy, access to talent, expertise and innovation support is critical, and universities act as convenors connecting business, public services and communities. CCCU’s distributed footprint means 95% of Kent’s population is within 30 minutes of a university location, allowing innovation and opportunity to be embedded across the region rather than concentrated in a single centre. As economic zones like the Gatwick region evolve, this model will be essential to ensuring growth is both competitive and inclusive, linking global investment with local capability to deliver sustained regional impact.

Abbie Kempe is Director of Research, Enterprise, and Innovation Services.