ARU to take central role in boosting regional growth
Anglia Ruskin takes over as host institution for the Arc Universities Group
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has become the new host institution for the Arc Universities Group (AUG) – a partnership delivering innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth across the Oxford-Cambridge corridor.
ARU takes over from Cranfield University, which helped steer the group through its formative first six years.
AUG is part of the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board and brings together higher education institutions, industry leaders, training providers, and government bodies in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire.
It is estimated that this region holds the potential to deliver a further £78billion in additional economic output and more than 400,000 new high-skilled jobs by 2050, and AUG is developing a regional Skills and Talent Strategy to help unlock its full potential, focusing on technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and creative and cultural industries.
Professor Aled Jones, Director of ARU’s Global Sustainability Institute, will lead the environmental sustainability focus area of the new strategy, working with investors, employers and policymakers to find practical solutions to workforce challenges around sustainable growth.
“We’re delighted to take on the hosting of AUG. It aligns perfectly with the work we’re doing across the wider region - connecting Essex and East Anglia with the innovation clusters of the Oxford-Cambridge corridor.
“We’re committed to helping shape a skills agenda that supports inclusive growth and ensures communities across the Arc benefit from its success.”
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)The Arc Universities Group consists of ARU, Cranfield University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Oxford Brookes University, University of Northampton, University of Hertfordshire, University of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire New University and the Open University.