The report focussed on three collaborations with social science relevance, including GW4, and aimed to obtain a deeper understanding of the challenges and benefits of collaborative working. It also highlighted GW4’s Building Communities initiative as an example of how to establish successful new research communities through seedcorn funding.
Professor Guy Orpen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bristol and Chair of the GW4 Board said “It is clear that there is huge value in collaboration. The scale and range of GW4’s research opens up tremendous opportunities that could not be offered by a single institution. From the sharing of infrastructure to the sharing of ideas, GW4 is committed to maximising benefits for the communities of the South West, Wales and beyond”.
Regional research alliances like GW4 also reflect the current push for regional devolution. In his recent budget, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the UK Government had entered into negotiations with Cardiff Council over a City Deal for the region, known as the Cardiff Capital Region. A similar initiative, the Great Western Cities region has also been announced by council leaders in Bristol, Cardiff, and Newport. As a major stakeholder in the Cardiff Capital Region, the Great Western Cities region, and the Welsh Government, GW4’s innovation, skills, and expertise will be crucial in helping to create prosperity across the South West of England and Wales.
