The project will map the different ways IHE Members work with industry, identify what makes these partnerships effective, and provide insights into the policy, regulatory and funding factors that enable or constrain growth.
Drawing on findings from our 2025 Survey and Statistics alongside semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with IHE Members and external stakeholders, the research will help build a clearer picture of the diversity and impact of these partnerships across different sectors. By deepening understanding of these collaborations and the conditions that support them, the project aims to inform future policy, strengthen members’ engagement with national and local skills initiatives, and unlock new opportunities for providers to contribute to the workforce needs of the future.
Project outputs
Building a skilled economy: How IHE Members partner with industry
This report is the first major output from the IHE Industry and Skills Project. Featuring case studies of IHE member institutions, the report highlights how independent, specialist providers are already delivering many of the outcomes policymakers want to see - employer-designed programmes, workforce development in priority sectors, and direct routes into employment - but warns that systemic barriers and regulatory instability are preventing innovative, employer-connected providers from responding to skills needs at the pace industry requires.
We call for coordinated action across skills policy, regulation and funding to create a more stable and responsive system. Our eight recommendations are directed primarily at government departments with responsibility for skills policy, and those leading industrial strategy sector plans, with additional recommendations for consideration by regulators and sector bodies.
Download the report
IHE Student Advisory Board: Industry partnerships project report
This report shares student perspectives on how industry partnerships in higher education support student employability and career readiness, drawing on student-led research. It highlights what students value most and sets out recommendations to strengthen employer engagement.
Download the report
Project Advisory Group
A Project Advisory Group formed of IHE Members and external stakeholders provided strategic guidance, expert insight, and sector-specific perspectives in support of the research aims and objectives.
IHE Members
- Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM)
- Academy of Live Technology (ALT)
- New Model for Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE)
- Tiro
- University of the Built Environment (UBE)
- Norland College
External stakeholders
- Edge Foundation
- Salford City Council
- Oxford Data Technologies
- Graduate Futures Institute (GFI)
- National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB)
- British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)
- Creative UK
