University of Bristol identified as key ‘driver of growth’ in new ten year economic strategy

By Arthur Clinton, News Reporter

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) has devised a growth strategy that aims to increase regional GDP by 28 per cent and create 72,000 new jobs by 2035. It positions the University of Bristol as a major contributor to these goals. 

WECA is led by the Mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin. It was established in 2017 and aims to create economic growth for the region. It also focuses on responding to challenges facing the West of England, such as productivity, skills, housing and transport.

The growth strategy is a 120 page document which was published on September 24. It looks to deliver on the aims of WECA by following a six point plan of action:

1. Contribute to national economic growth, helping businesses succeed and creating jobs
2. Connect the region through better public transport and active travel
3. Create and build homes and communities that are affordable, attractive and sustainable
4. Empower residents with the skills to access jobs that will shape the future
5. Make the West of England the home for green jobs and green growth
6. Lift children out of poverty in the West of England

The strategy outlines how the University’s expansion and development are integral to achieving these goals: ‘We’ll invest in skills, infrastructure and digital connectivity, with our universities driving discovery and commercial success.’

The authority is keen for the West of England to become a hub for business of the future. It said: ‘The West of England is outperforming the national economy, and its untapped potential is ready to power the UK's next wave of growth.’

The growth strategy identifies the mass commercial adoption of artificial intelligence and widespread development of renewable energy sources as key aspects of the West of England's potential to drive national growth.

The University-of-Bristol-hosted Isambard-AI went online earlier this year, becoming the fastest supercomputer in the UK and the fourth greenest in the world. This flagship project has prompted plans for the establishment of the ‘West of England AI Supercluster’ in WECA’s strategy to be named ‘Isambard Park’.

University of Bristol’s hand in the future of AI

AI’s energy use is a powerful limiting factor on development, writes Miles Gilroy.

EpigramMiles Gilroy

Bristol’s newest supercomputer

Isambard 3 is live! Cali details the importance of the new supercomputer and explains how it differs from any old computer.

EpigramCarolina Stott

The establishment of Isambard Park comes with the hope of creating  ‘a wealth of investment opportunities…[as] new business investment will follow the growth of university and industry led R&D institutions.’ The supercluster will also place the region ‘as a world-leading hub for AI research, innovation and adoption,’ according to WECA.

Work done by the Bristol Composites Institute, located at the University of Bristol, is ‘pioneering next-gen turbine tech and circular blade solutions.’ This positions the West of England at the forefront of renewable energy technology and the push for the UK to reach net zero by 2050. 

WECA has welcomed the University of Bristol's £500 million investment into the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus as a spearhead for regeneration of the area. This will lead to provision of more housing and office space, alongside improved connectivity in Central Bristol, according to the authority.

Progress underway for world-leading Temple Quarter enterprise campus

By Sofia Webster and Megan Foulk, Deputy Editor and Co-Deputy Music Editor A new milestone has been reached today as the structure of the University of Bristol’s new enterprise campus is completed, signifying the project is a third through its completion. The new building, which is on time and

EpigramSofia Webster

New 596-bed accommodation ‘Avon Point’ to open this September

‘Avon Point’, a 596 bed Unite Students accommodation block built to serve the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter campus, is due to open this September.

EpigramMegan Patterson

The authority is also looking to work with universities in the region to support more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into higher and further education.  

Responding to the University’s position at the heart of the region’s growth strategy, Vice-Chancellor and President of University of Bristol, Professor Evelyn Welch, said: 

‘I welcome this ambitious Regional Growth Strategy, particularly its vision for the UK’s first AI Supercluster, centred on Isambard-AI—the nation’s most powerful and sustainable supercomputer.

‘The University of Bristol is proud to collaborate closely with our regional partners as a driving force for growth in digital, tech, creative, and clean energy sectors.

‘Our Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, at the heart of the regeneration of Temple Quarter, exemplifies our commitment to powering innovation, attracting investment, and serving as a dynamic hub for talent, skills, and partnerships to drive our region’s economic future.’

To read WECA's growth strategy in full, see here.

Featured Image: Epigram / Cara Hene