The comprehensive 10-year strategy, launched by Mayor Oliver Coppard, positions the region as central to the UK's industrial strategy growth sectors, building on South Yorkshire's strengths in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, defence, and the growing creative and digital sectors.
Sheffield Hallam University is proud to be recognised as a key partner in delivering growth across the region and beyond, particularly through skills development, innovation, and community engagement across South Yorkshire.
The University is already making significant contributions to the region's economic development priorities outlined in the Growth Plan.
- Skills development and workforce preparation - Sheffield Hallam is one of the largest providers of degree apprenticeships in the country across many higher technical priority areas identified in the Growth Plan. The University's strong partnerships with employers and co-creation of courses ensures graduates are equipped with the skills needed for South Yorkshire's key growth sectors.
- Innovation and research - through initiatives like the South Yorkshire Innovation Programme (SYIP), led by Sheffield Hallam alongside the University of Sheffield and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council with £3 million backing from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. The University provides vital innovation support to organisations across the region including academic consultancy, technical projects, and access to university facilities.
- Creative industries leadership - with approximately 4,000 students across creative disciplines, Sheffield Hallam is a major talent pipeline for the region's growing creative and cultural industries sector. The University's FutureNow Festival of Creativity brings new ideas, expertise, and entrepreneurial capacity that helps firms diversify and compete nationally and internationally.
- Community engagement: The University's deep commitment to its local communities aligns perfectly with the Growth Plan's emphasis on inclusive growth that benefits all residents across South Yorkshire.
The Growth Plan recognises the vital role of anchor institutions like Sheffield Hallam in driving economic transformation in key investment areas. The University's new city centre campus is specifically highlighted as part of the Sheffield Innovation Spine, a collaborative initiative connecting both of Sheffield's universities through key regeneration areas.
It also recognises constraints that needs to be addressed to unlock growth potential, including supporting people to lead healthier lives. Sheffield Hallam’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre is a world-leading centre for physical activity research and innovation. Its mission is to transform lives through innovations that help people move, helping to address health inequalities in South Yorkshire and beyond.
Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Mossop said: "Sheffield Hallam University is pleased to support Mayor Coppard's ambitious vision for South Yorkshire's economic future. This Growth Plan recognises what we've always known – that our region has incredible potential when we work together.
"As an anchor institution, we have a responsibility to ensure that the talent we develop, the innovation we support, the research we carry out and the partnerships we build directly benefit the communities we serve. This plan provides the perfect framework for us to strengthen those connections and help create the high-quality opportunities needed to retain talent and skills in the region.
"Our students, graduates, and research are already contributing to the region's key growth sectors, from advanced manufacturing to creative industries. We're excited to deepen these partnerships and play our part in delivering the skilled workforce and innovation ecosystem that will drive South Yorkshire's success over the next decade."
