OUR GOALS

Our four themes capture the breadth of our expertise and how we influence the world: using technology to advance manufacturing and business capabilities in a socially and environmentally responsible manner; improving health outcomes; designing sustainable solutions for urban environments and protecting nature; and improving the way society works for all. Goal One embodies our ambition as an institution to make a step-change in our capabilities, improving our ability to respond to these global social challenges. Over the next 5 years we will invest strategically in key areas within these themes to build capacity; future From its inception Salford has been a university committed to the production of foundational research and its application through partnership working. Our research and enterprise success is dependent upon the success of our academics and postgraduate researchers (PGRs) working in productive partnerships with industry, public organisations and the third sector to apply our expertise to real-world challenges and co-create solutions. Our five priorities, which will enable us to achieve our goals, reflect this. Goal Two represents our commitment to work as valued partners with external organisations; providing holistic solutions to address their challenges. As an anchor institution within the region, we will build on our partnerships with Salford City Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and the

proof our activities; create further opportunities to work in partnership with external stakeholders; build internal interdisciplinary communities; and position us for external funding. Growing our income will aid the EXPANDING OUR REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION IN RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE1 financial sustainability of the University and support improved performance in future Research Excellence Framework (REF) and Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) assessments, boosting our reputation on the national and international stage. In the near term we will specifically seek opportunities to support the post-COVID economic recovery within our remit, using our expertise and world-leading facilities in new and creative ways to help industry and other partners recover and realise their full potential to grow. other Greater Manchester (GM) Universities to work together to identify and address local issues; positioning ourselves to take advantage of the levelling up agenda and new local funding streams. Strengthening our partnerships will support income growth from direct investment through commercial enterprise activities; licensing; investment in our spinouts; funding of research and PGRs; and our infrastructure. In addition to the direct investment in the University’s research and enterprise endeavours, through their support, our partners can help us to secure new investment, creating growth in our research and enterprise activities. Professional relationship management of partners with multiple touch points within the University and mutually aligned interests will be key to the creation of genuine longterm strategic partnerships.

2CREATING ADDED VALUE THROUGH STRENGTHENING AND DEEPENING OUR PARTNERSHIPS

We define ‘impact’ in the broadest sense, encompassing positive benefits for academic research, business, and wider society, across any type and size of organisation, and for individuals and communities at a local, national, or international level. Our REF2021 impact case studies demonstrate how our on-going research, knowledge exchange and engagement activities have contributed to substantial economic growth, social, and environmental benefits. Through technology and digital innovation, we have designed better healthcare devices and improved mechanisms of care within the NHS, contributed to the decarbonisation agenda and developed systems that support government responses to natural disasters overseas. We have also leveraged our expertise and networks to influence UK and EU policy to protect the environment and improve support systems and opportunities for some of society’s most vulnerable groups.

Goal Three demonstrates our commitment to maximising the benefits to society from our collective 3GENERATING MEASURABLE ECONOMIC, SOCIETAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AT A LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL research and enterprise activities, whether working with an individual business or organisation, with an industry sector, or acting as a driver of productivity and economic growth on a regional scale. We will continue to develop and support existing impact streams leading from our research and knowledge exchange ensuring our past achievements lead to even greater success in future. We will also expand our existing impact framework to enterprise and engagement activity for effective monitoring and management, ensuring measurable added value to partners and wider society.