Research England has published the fifth iteration of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), with Hartpury University revealed as the highest-scoring participating institution in Local Growth and Regeneration (ranked in the top quintile for ‘very high engagement’), both for the latest results (2023–24) and for the three-year average on which KEF is calculated.
This recognition places Hartpury University at the forefront of institutions making a measurable impact on their regions, underlining its role as a catalyst for innovation, economic development, and community wellbeing across Gloucestershire and the wider South West.
The KEF is a landmark tool that helps universities and policymakers understand how higher education is driving forward economic growth and societal benefit across England. Now in its fifth year, the KEF has become a trusted framework for benchmarking progress and highlighting the rich and diverse ways universities work with businesses, communities, and public services. It captures performance across seven key perspectives.
Hartpury’s contribution to growth and regeneration
Hartpury University’s strong performance underlines its far-reaching, real-world impact. Its activities contribute significantly to both the local and national economy, with an estimated total UK economic impact of £296 million (London Economics report, 2023). Around £90 million (68%) of this impact occurs in the South West, reflecting the institution’s deep local engagement.
As the largest employer in the Forest of Dean, Hartpury plays a leading role in the Forest Economic Partnership and works closely with organisations such as the Gloucestershire Federation of Small Businesses, Business West, Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce and Circle2Success.
Key initiatives supporting local growth include:
- Agriculture and agri-tech: The Digital Innovation Farm, including the Agri-Tech Centre and Tech Box Park, provides digital support to Gloucestershire’s agricultural businesses, addressing rural connectivity, skills gaps and technology adoption.
- Sport and community partnerships: The Sports Business Hub collaborates with local sports organisations to improve sustainability and grassroots participation, while also supporting inclusivity through coaching programmes for SEN pupils and women’s sport via Gloucester-Hartpury RFC.
- Health, wellbeing and events: Partnerships with the Equine Therapy Centre, Riding for the Disabled Association, and local football clubs such as Forest Green Rovers and Cheltenham Town offer education and engagement opportunities. Flagship events including the NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials, British Eventing National Championships, and Open Farm Sunday cement Hartpury University and College’s place at the heart of Gloucestershire’s business and community life.
Professor Andy Collop, Vice-Chancellor, Executive Principal and CEO of Hartpury University and Hartpury College said: “To be recognised as the highest-scoring participating institution for Local Growth and Regeneration is a fantastic achievement for Hartpury University, reflecting the passion and commitment of our staff, students and partners. The KEF results highlight the scale of our real-world impact – not just economically, but also socially and culturally – in Gloucestershire and beyond. Our work across our specialist industries demonstrates the power of knowledge exchange to transform lives, strengthen communities, and grow industries. This sits at the very heart of our mission.”
Professor Steve Draper, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education, Research and Knowledge Exchange) at Hartpury University, added: “These results reaffirm the importance of universities like Hartpury working together with local and regional stakeholders. From pioneering digital solutions in farming, to inspiring the next generation through sport, to strengthening our local economy, Hartpury University is proud to be a driver of innovation and regeneration. We will continue to expand our knowledge exchange activity, ensuring that our research and expertise deliver tangible benefits where they are needed most.”
Looking ahead
As government and policymakers look to boost regional growth, the KEF offers an increasingly important measure of universities’ contributions to society and the economy. Hartpury University’s outstanding performance positions it as a valuable partner in shaping future growth and regeneration strategies for the South West and beyond.
Explore the full KEF5 results: https://kef.ac.uk
