The Convening University: How the University of Bristol Is Shaping Regional Impact

As expectations of universities continue to grow, knowledge exchange is becoming more than a mechanism for collaboration—it is emerging as a strategic capability for shaping regional innovation ecosystems. In this session, Lisa Kehoe will share insights from leading impact development and knowledge exchange initiatives, including the UK Cyber Growth Action Plan. Using this work as a practical example, the discussion will explore how universities can act as trusted convenors, bring together diverse partners around shared challenges and strengthen their role as civic anchor institutions. Participants will gain practical perspectives on the leadership, partnerships and institutional capabilities needed to move from strategy to sustained regional impact.

This Fireside Chat will focus on:

1. How universities can strengthen their role as civic anchor institutions within regional innovation ecosystems.
2. Why knowledge exchange leadership is becoming a strategic capability for addressing complex societal and economic challenges.
3. How universities can convene partners across government, industry, investors and communities to enable coordinated action.
4. Lessons from the UK Cyber Growth Action Plan on translating institutional strategy into place-based innovation and long-term impact.

Lisa Kehoe is Head of Impact Development at the University of Bristol, where she helps shape the University’s strategic approach to translational research, knowledge exchange and research impact. Her career spans the pharmaceutical industry, the Science and Technology Facilities Council and Research Councils UK, where she worked across academia, industry and government on innovation strategy and the development of UK research and industrial priorities. She was also a co-author of A UK Cyber Growth Action Plan, which sets out recommendations for strengthening growth and resilience across the UK cyber ecosystem.

A UIIN Fireside Chat is a 30-minute interview session between a UIIN facilitator and an external industry expert on a high-level topic. Participants will leave with insights and inspiration after hearing the experiences and perspectives of the guest speaker, and have the opportunity to ask questions during the session. Fireside Chats are also recorded for UIIN podcasts and are available after the session.