Reimagining public services together

Lancaster University is proud to partner with the public sector, working together to drive policy change and improve public services.

Lancaster University’s expertise, thought leadership, and world-leading research address critical challenges such as digital security, public health, economic growth, skills and education, and climate change. It is dedicated to promoting social justice, equality and inclusion.

Renowned for its multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, Lancaster delivers real-world solutions and better governance by injecting academic insight. Its global outlook and powerful networks help drive meaningful, positive innovation which benefits society as a whole.

As a member of the Civic University Network, Lancaster also brings the collective power of the UK higher education sector to advance societal, economic and environmental goals in its place at the heart of Lancashire and Cumbria.

It works closely with other anchor institutions to ensure that Lancaster’s academic expertise is central to a collaborative approach to seizing opportunities and addressing regional challenges.

Benefits of collaboration

We work with the public sector to achieve various outcomes.

Policy

Driving public policy direction: Lancaster’s academic research and expertise can help inform and shape public policy decisions, leading to better outcomes for communities.

Improved services

Improving public services: By working with the public sector, the University can contribute to improving services such as healthcare, education, transportation and local governance - to achieve a healthier and more sustainable future.

Influence

Influencing societal issues: Collaborations with the public sector provide opportunities to work on projects which have direct societal benefits, such as sustainability, equality and social inclusion.

Knowledge

Knowledge transfer: Public sector partners benefit from being involved in Lancaster University’s cutting-edge research, while helping shape the University’s research agenda to inform and enhance its academic output.

Innovation

Innovation for the greater good: The University and the public sector can work together to develop new services or practices which serve the public interest, driving progress in areas like digital transformation, healthcare or environmental sustainability.

Success stories

Government-funded access to Lancaster University expertise and talent

Lancaster has been delivering knowledge exchange activities for local authorities in the North West through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) since 2024.

These projects have engaged with more than 50 businesses in Preston, Burnley, Blackburn, and Westmorland & Furness, providing access to academic expertise, student talent and facilitated workshops to accelerate their innovation and growth journey.

Subject to further funding being confirmed, an additional 25+ businesses in the region will receive support via the 2025-26 UKSPF allocation to develop growth action plans, and access fully-funded student internships.

For more information, visit the UKSPF website and get in touch via the enquiry form below.

A new era of regenerative urban design in Lancaster

In a world where urban spaces are at the forefront of pressing issues, the perspectives of young people are increasingly vital. Placemaking with Young Adults 2.0 (PYA2) is an innovative research initiative committed to bringing young voices to the forefront of urban planning and policy development in Lancaster.

Following the tremendous impact of the initial Placemaking with Young Adults (PYA1) - funded by The British Academy and Research England - which empowered young residents to work with Lancaster City Council and contribute meaningfully to sustainable urban development, PYA2 aims to elevate this dialogue to new heights.

The project runs from February 2025 to March 2026, setting the stage for a new era of participatory placemaking urban design.

Learn more about this project here.

Lancaster University supports world-famous resort to harness new opportunities in ethically-powered data

More than 100 stakeholders, including senior academics and experts, gathered for a symposium to discuss how Blackpool can become a world-leader in ethically-powered data.

The event was the conclusion of the Blackpool Innovation Catalyst, a six-month project which developed a plan to build a digital sector around renewable-powered data centres which support social projects like heating housing and powering transport.

Led by Lancaster University and Blackpool Council, the catalyst plan seeks to create a digital ecosystem that boosts the local economy. The landing of the North Atlantic Loop data cable in Blackpool offers unique access to ultra-fast internet, enabling future technologies like robotics in sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing.

Key stakeholders collaborated to shape a vision for Blackpool, which was unveiled at the symposium.

Public Affairs

The Public Affairs Team leads the University's engagement with the UK government to provide opportunities for academic impact across the public sector.

Their role is to manage the University's relationship with parliamentarians, civil servants, and government-adjacent stakeholders. That means engaging with government to present Lancaster University's research, innovation, and views on public issues, assisting in the development of policy and legislation.

They also work with the Industry and Parliament Trust to arrange engagement training for academics, researchers, and staff.

Learn more about the Public Affairs Team

Parliamentary event - Sir Chris Bonington and Lancaster University students at the House of Commons

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