On overcoming the barriers to regional engagement: Reflections from the University of Lincoln

The University of Lincoln, UK, poses a rather compelling case for studying the role of universities in regional development, having developed from a branch campus to a full-range university during its 20 years of existence, and with an aim of responding to regional economic needs by collaborating locally and internationally. We set a two-fold aim to examine the role of the university in fostering regional development and explore the barriers faced. Data from a combination of policy documents, reports and websites were utilised alongside focused interviews undertaken with internal and external stakeholders including staff members, industry partners, a County Council employee and graduates of the university. It is clear that the university actively contributes to regional development through various collaborations including a local business incubator, Sparkhouse. A collaboration with Siemens has created a ‘win-win’ scenario where the university has helped to embed the company through a supply of local graduates whilst also developing research collaboration. Various barriers that hinder the university’s engagement were identified which call for strategizing and a concerted effort from all stakeholders, especially those relating to graduate retention and development of local infrastructure