Universities play an important role in supporting economic growth, developing skills and creating pathways into decent work.
At ARU, we work closely with employers, local authorities, businesses, charities and community organisations to ensure that education, research and innovation contribute directly to economic opportunity and workforce development.
Through partnerships that support employability, entrepreneurship, skills development and regional growth, we help connect people with opportunities while supporting more inclusive and sustainable local economies.
Supporting economic regeneration through ARU Peterborough
ARU Peterborough was established in partnership with local authorities, employers and regional stakeholders to address skills shortages and improve access to higher education in a city that has historically experienced lower levels of university participation.
Developed around identified workforce needs, the campus provides pathways into skilled employment in sectors such as healthcare, digital technologies, engineering, business and the built environment. By retaining talent within the region and aligning educational provision with local labour market demand, ARU Peterborough is contributing to long-term economic growth and regeneration while helping local people access high-quality employment opportunities.
Building local skills through degree apprenticeships
We work with employers across the public and private sectors to deliver degree apprenticeships that combine higher education with paid employment. These programmes help businesses address skills shortages while enabling apprentices to develop professional expertise without leaving the workforce. Partnerships with organisations in healthcare, policing, engineering, construction and digital industries ensure that learning reflects real-world workforce needs. The model supports career progression, lifelong learning and productivity growth while helping employers develop the skilled workforce needed to support sustainable economic development.
Creating opportunities through Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE)
ARU's Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE) programme connects students with organisations including Essex County Council, Essex Police and Cambridgeshire County Council to help address real-world economic and social challenges.
Through projects focused on employability, public health, community development and local growth, students apply their skills while generating practical benefits for partner organisations. One project, Social Spark, trained 24 local residents in community organising and helped create networks to improve access to healthcare, employability support and community services.
By linking academic learning with community needs, SHoKE helps students develop workplace skills while supporting local economic resilience.
Supporting the transition to a circular economy
ARU works with local government and international partners to create new economic opportunities linked to sustainability and innovation.
Through the €5.6 million BLUEPRINT project, delivered alongside Essex County Council and partners in the UK and France, ARU is helping 2,000 people from disadvantaged backgrounds gain new skills linked to the circular economy while supporting the development of up to 100 social enterprises. The initiative aims to create employment opportunities, strengthen economic resilience and help communities participate in more sustainable forms of growth. By combining skills development with environmental innovation, the project demonstrates how economic development and sustainability can be pursued together.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.