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Driving the 'car' into Cardiff

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A report highlighting the impact that Cardiff University Business School has had on local businesses and industry has been released by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

The report confirms that social science researchers at Cardiff University have formed extensive links with businesses. For example researchers at Cardiff Business School have contributed to significant developments in the sustainable production of motor vehicles. Working with both UK-based and international firms, the researchers have developed a model for sustainable car manufacture which involves the use of more lightweight, durable and sustainable materials. The model has already been adopted by the company Axon Automotive, and it has also helped another company, GMD, to demonstrate the foundations for their own model for sustainable car manufacturing.

"Cardiff Business School has established an international reputation for research on the motor industry over many years. We are delighted that our researchers’ work has contributed to innovative developments in the industry, particularly in the area of sustainability which is another major research strength of the University," said Professor Rick Delbridge, Dean of Research, Innovation & Enterprise at Cardiff University.

Cardiff University has also engaged with local businesses through 'The Cardiff Business Partnership', a formal group of businesses working together with Cardiff Business School to undertake research into a range of issues that are important to the economy of South Wales.

The partnership was initiated by two of the largest companies in Wales which were looking to create a Welsh focussed business voice. These two businesses approached Cardiff Business School, leading to the employment of a full time research fellow from the school. Now the partnership is made up of 13 members across a variety of business sectors.

A recent research project originating from the group focussed on the role of agencies in attracting inward investment in Wales. This research was then used by the consortium to highlight issues facing the local economy and Wales to government bodies with the overall aim of improving the economic situation locally and nationally.

"The Cardiff Business Partnership is just one example of how Cardiff Business School has worked closely both with individual businesses and their representative organizations to produce high quality new research which can assist them in their decision making and other activities, while also providing the data for our researchers to contribute to major academic debates," says Professor Delbridge.

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said:

"This report shows that Business Schools are not only important sources of academic research, but also play a vital role in stimulating growth in their local economies."

"It demonstrates the real impact social science research can have on improving products, management practice, cost savings and supply chains within businesses. I encourage businesses to extend their collaboration with researchers, taking advantage of existing support such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Innovation Vouchers."

Paul Boyle, Chief Executive of ESRC said: "Engaging with the business community is a key priority for the ESRC and I am pleased to see the excellent work that business schools across the UK are doing in supporting their local businesses, and providing much needed growth in the economy."

The authors of the ESRC report, 'Evaluating the Business Impact of Social Science’, looked at the Business and Management schools of three Higher Education Institutes; Lancaster University, Cardiff University and Warwick University. The study aimed to understand the routes through which social science influences business, and the mechanisms that facilitate impact.

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Cardiff University:

Notes for editors

  1. This release is based on the findings from Evaluating the Business Impact of Social Science report carried out by Professor Steve Johnson, Professor Kevin Orr, Professor Shona Bettany, Louise Sturgeon-Adams, Matthew Terry and Rose-Marie Smith of the Hull University Business School and Department of Social Sciences, with Cloud Chamber.
  2. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is the UKs largest organisation for funding research on economic and social issues. It supports independent, high quality research which has an impact on business, the public sector and the third sector. The ESRCs total budget for 2012/13 is £205 million. At any one time the ESRC supports over 4,000 researchers and postgraduate students in academic institutions and independent research institutes.
  3. Cardiff University is recognised in independent government assessments as one of Britain’s leading teaching and research universities and is a member of the Russell Group of the UK’s most research intensive universities. Among its academic staff are two Nobel Laureates, including the winner of the 2007 Nobel Prize for Medicine, University Chancellor Professor Sir Martin Evans. Founded by Royal Charter in 1883, today the University combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research. The University's breadth of expertise encompasses: the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; the College of Biomedical and Life Sciences; and the College of Physical Sciences, along with a longstanding commitment to lifelong learning. Cardiff's three flagship Research Institutes are offering radical new approaches to neurosciences and mental health, cancer stem cells and sustainable places.

Susie Watts 
Email: susie.watts@esrc.ac.uk 
Telephone: 01793 413119

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

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