INITIATIVES
University and Research
Leadership Forum
Unveiling a Blueprint for Place-Based Innovation
The University Research and Leadership Forum (URLF) has launched a groundbreaking initiative to decode the success of high-performing university-anchored innovation ecosystems. This new phase of the URLF is chaired by Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive of Aston University who champions the pivotal role universities play in driving place-based innovation through knowledge transfer and skills development for the emerging global digital economy.
The URLF is embarking on a multi-year journey that will include a series of in-depth study trips to thriving innovation hubs worldwide and leadership dialogues among GFCC university members and leaders from government, industry and community stakeholders. By synthesizing the knowledge gained through these experiences, the URLF will identify and map key assets and develop a comprehensive toolkit for place-based innovation. This toolkit will serve as a practical roadmap for universities to stimulate economic growth, create positive social impact, and ensure lasting prosperity in their communities and regions.
Connect
Join a curated community of global leaders across industries. Visit university-anchored innovation hubs globally. Explore cross-border partnership opportunities and unlock new opportunities.
Collaborate
Participate in exclusive high-profile discussions and workshops. Gain exclusive insights on the latest innovations, local realities, and identify key assets driving diverse innovation ecosystems.
Co-Create
Uncover best practices and work with peers to create a toolkit for place-based innovation. Leverage assets across ecosystems linked to GFCC university members to launch innovative initiatives and products.
Event Report
About
The 2024 Leadership Dialogue on "Universities 4.0 and Their Role in Driving Place-Based Innovation and Socio-Economic Transformation" brought global leaders to Aston University in Birmingham, UK to discuss innovation ecosystems and the transformative role of universities. With themes of collaboration, inclusivity, and place-based innovation, the event unveiled groundbreaking insights.
Download the report or watch the full event in our Youtube Channel.​
The URLF’s Journey
The GFCC University and Research Leadership Forum (URLF) is a dynamic hub where thought leaders collaborate and explore trends and strategies to reshape the future of higher education and innovation. The URLF disseminates actionable insights from case studies and innovative models for university and research institutions to drive transformative change.
2019 - 2022
A Time of Accelerated Transformation
In 2019, URLF members gathered in Astana, Kazakhstan, to envision the future of universities amidst evolving technologies and the innovation economy.
They introduced University 4.0—an impact-oriented, tech-enabled institution.
Collaborating with prestigious universities, the URLF released papers and engaged in online dialogues.
COVID-19 hit in 2020, forcing universities into accelerated transformation.
The URLF analyzed the pandemic's impacts, surveying strategies and models.
The result: "Shift: Universities in Transformation" report—a profound exploration of higher education's future shaped by Covid-19.
2016 - 2019
Placing universities at the heart of innovation
The URLF launched in London, uniting 38 university leaders, philanthropists, executives, and policymakers from 20 countries.
It fostered a dialogue on universities' role in driving innovation and transformative tech projects.
Two task forces reviewed tools and extreme projects, leading to groundbreaking reports: "Optimizing Innovation Alliance" and "Leveraging Extreme Innovation."
"Workshops in Brazil, Russia, Qatar, the U.S., and Kazakhstan further shared findings with communities and stakeholders.
Listen to 2016 URLF inaugural meeting attendees share insights on the significance of URLF's work.
Get Involved
To be included in advancing place-based innovation and enhancing universities' economic influence and impact, fill out the form below. A leader from the GFCC will assist you in setting up a call or send a formal invitation letter.