Investing in economic growth, health equity, and opportunity for all

Seventeen leading organisations, including Birmingham City Council, local businesses, government bodies, NHS trusts, community groups, and education providers, signed the initiative to work with and enable Aston to attain a series of commitments.

As well as highlighting the importance of Birmingham as an attractive destination to live, study, and do business, the agreement sets out seven commitments aimed at supporting economic growth, education, research, community empowerment, health, aspiration, and sustainability.

Regarding research at the university, it commits to this generating commercial and societal benefits to the city and region, and to support this Aston has launched Aston Ventures, working with Midlands Mindforge to bring capital investment into the city and drive the growth of spin-out businesses and to anchor in Birmingham.

On the commitment to community empowerment, it will involve proactively seeking opportunities to welcome residents into the Aston campus – a ‘city within a city’ - growing to 25,000 visitors per year by 2030 and founding a new Community Makerlab.

Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
 "Aston University has always believed in the power of partnerships to drive transformation and inclusive growth. Our Civic Agreement 2030 brings together universities, businesses, government and communities to tackle challenges, spark innovation and create opportunities for all."

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: "Aston University's Civic Agreement perfectly aligns with my Growth Plan and vision for the region. By working together, we can make the West Midlands the best place to learn, live, work, visit and invest."

Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said that it “marks a powerful moment of unity and ambition for Birmingham” and a step to “ensure that every resident can benefit from Birmingham’s growth.”

The Civic Agreement 2030 is underpinned by Aston University’s Quadruple Helix model, which connects academia, industry, government, and society to deliver real-world impact and position Birmingham as a national and international leader in skills, enterprise, and innovation.