Region and Society
Find out more about Aston University and the social purpose that is core to our mission
For 130 years, Aston has been at the heart of education in Birmingham – an anchor institution that, 60 years ago, transformed into the university we know today. Our story is deeply intertwined with that of this remarkable city: once the powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution, now the thriving centre of innovation and enterprise in the digital era.
Aston University is committed to driving civic regeneration and inclusive growth in Birmingham and across the West Midlands.
We champion the Quadruple Helix model of innovation – bringing together academia, industry, government and society – to create transformative solutions to the challenges of our time. Through these partnerships, we advance sustainability, create new jobs, raise aspirations in our local communities, and expand access to healthcare and opportunity.
In 2021, we launched the Aston University Civic Agreement, focusing on supporting Birmingham and its people to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, our region faces new challenges and opportunities, requiring us to look beyond recovery to long-term socioeconomic transformation. We are determined to position Birmingham and the West Midlands as national and global leaders in innovation, skills and enterprise.
Our Aston 2030 Strategy makes clear commitments to people, place and impact. The seven pledges in this refreshed Civic Agreement bring those commitments to life. Through our daily operations and strategic initiatives, we will:
- Promote Birmingham as a premier destination to study, live, visit and do business.
- Drive inclusive growth by attracting investment and creating pathways to high-value jobs.
- Develop a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
- Support socioeconomic transformation in our city and region through inclusive innovation.
Our Five Policy Areas
- Business Innovation & Skills - Aston University is at the forefront of business innovation, knowledge and collaboration, offering expert and evidence-based solutions to the UK’s biggest challenges.
- Health Innovation - Aston University supports better health outcomes and a reduction in health inequalities by improving access to and engagement with integrated health services, building a pipeline of health innovation and providing patient-focused research and development.
- Inclusive Growth - Universities play a powerful role in driving inclusive growth. In the West Midlands, it is critical that higher education works in collaboration with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), local authorities, stakeholders, businesses, community groups and communities to drive and deliver the economic growth that will benefit all corners of the region.
- Students & Graduates - University graduates play a major role in the economic success of a region. With half of the West Midlands workforce consisting of graduates, ensuring a pipeline of work-ready talent ready to is critical to the success of the West Midlands economy and the future growth of our region.
- Sustainability - A whole system transformation is needed to avert the accelerating climate disaster – and universities have a crucial role to play in driving innovative solutions and leading by example. The Aston 2030 Strategy identifies the role that we can play in supporting this crucial transition, creating a sustainable future that is underpinned by research, innovation and advanced skills and delivered in a genuinely inclusive way.
Contact Us
Email Aston Engages to speak to one of the team.