In the News
Universities & corporates – a shared reputation opportunity
02 October 2025
How to turn business partnerships into powerful reputation capital and policy influence
“In today’s knowledge-driven economy, institutional reputation is far more than a matter of prestige – it is a critical asset that enables trust, attracts talent, and sustains long-term partnerships. This paper offers a timely and thoughtful examination of how reputation intersects with successful collaboration – and why, in the end, it is people and their commitment that carry it forward.” Professor Mark Jefferies, Head of University Partnership & Policy, Rolls-Royce
The Challenge: Against a backdrop of the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth, Higher Education adds £265 billion to the UK economy. Yet too often the sector’s contribution to a growth-driving industrial strategy is overlooked.
The Opportunity: University-industry partnerships can be a powerful accelerator of value creation. Not only for funding, at a time when two in five universities face deficits, but also as a golden opportunity to show impact and amplify influence. But many institutions leave this reputational dividend on the table.
The Solution: A strategic communications approach to transform partnerships into reputation-building powerhouses.
With 10 Recommendations to leverage partnerships for reputation capital and policy impact.
“It can be challenging for universities and businesses to develop a common approach to engagement with key stakeholders – but when it works, the impact can be significant.” Tania Rhodes-Taylor, Executive Director, Communications and External Affairs, King’s College London
Read the report here.
