Deans' Meeting - Getting closer to business: Responding to the policies driving strategy in 2026 and beyond

Government policy announcements last year all pointed to a greater emphasis on the need for universities to align their activities with the needs of businesses and the economy. The distribution of funding through the Industrial Strategy, the Growth & Skills Levy, and the proposed REF reforms will incentivise universities to support the growth of businesses in sectors vital to the UK’s economic vitality.

This Chartered ABS Deans’ Meeting will look at two areas in considering how to align business school strategy with the opportunities presented by these policy priorities.

First, the meeting will hear from the authors of our new report on ‘Business Schools and Knowledge Exchange’ and explore the prevalence of KE in business school strategy and culture, the Deans’ role in driving it, and where business schools can improve their performance in using KE to support economic growth.

Second, we have organised a timely update on the latest and expected developments around the Growth & Skills Levy in England to help members consider routes on aligning their business school strategy with local and sectoral skills needs and funding.

Both presentations will be followed by an open discussion.

By Invitation Only and Chatham House Rule - All discussions take place under the Chatham House Rule and attendance is restricted to the Deans of Chartered ABS member institutions.