Southampton University and Southampton Institute

Final report - January 2005

To identify

The current arrangements in respect of enterprise development and entrepreneurship within the two Higher Education Institutions (HEI), including the capacity, commitment and culture of higher education establishments in Southampton to deliver their objectives in this respect

The existing plans for the development of these aspects of higher education in Southampton along with an assessment of the chances of those proposals being implemented. In particular, the barriers to implementation will be analysed

The type and scale of relationship between HEI and the local business community (including social support agencies) in respect of consultancy, teaching, placements and other forms of interaction for enterprise, innovation and small business development

The gaps in education, consultancy, research and other engagement between HEI and the local community for enterprise and innovation and small business development

The degree of �fit� between the local economic structure and the expertise of the University and Southampton Institute in respect of both consultancy and graduates, and the demands from local businesses for recruitment and services in enterprise and innovation

• Policy advice in support of enterprise development, entrepreneurship, and small business development, including enterprise skill development. Where applicable recommendations will also be made on how the city council can improve its procurement practices to support and encourage the development of social enterprise



• Summary of best practice in enterprise and entrepreneurial activity at both HEIs providing recommendations on how improvements in performance can be made (for example engagement with local businesses and business support agencies)



• Tangible measures and targets relating specifically to long term strategies such as the city council�s Plan for Prosperity and Community Strategy. For example, the research will examine how outputs from and enhanced collaboration between the Southampton Institute and University of Southampton can help achieve the stated objectives of the Southampton Enterprise Action Plan specifically with respect to increasing business formation rates, business survival development and growth, and high growth businesses

For further information on this research please email Marc Eatough at Southampton University.