university of cambridge: communications presentation to cipr east anglia

The changing face of Cambridge University:

From medieval institution to innovation powerhouse

Paul Mylrea, Director of Communications

My background…

Origins..

From 1209…

…when scholars taking refuge from hostile townsmen in Oxford migrate to Cambridge

Today…

To now…

A modern University… …rooted in 800 years of disruptive change

The scale…

…of the University

The success…

…of the University

The impact…

…of the University

Growth….

4th fastest growing city by population (London 6th)

4th highest private sector employment growth

6th highest weekly earnings and highest house price rise

– but lowest level of inequality

Source: Centre for Cities, Cities Outlook 2014

Innovation…

Cambridge… the UK’s most innovative city.

It had more patents per 100,000 residents than the next five most innovative cities combined (Swindon, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Aldershot and Gloucester).

By the same measure, London ranked 23rd.

Source: Intellectual Property Office 2013

…and the myth

UK universities contribute £30 billion a year to the UK economy

It is a myth that the UK is good at research but poor at innovation and commercialising research…

But we cannot solve our funding problems simply by harnessing IP income or other sources of private income

…and the global challenge

Higher education is one of the UK’s most successful export industries - estimated to contribute more than £10 billion a year in overseas earnings

But fierce global competition for the best academic talent

And looking just at public expenditure on higher education, the UK’s investment of 0.7 per cent of GDP is one of the lowest in the OECD (the average is over 1.0 per cent.

The role of communications…

The Office of External Affairs and Communications…

…manages the University's global reputation and communications

The past…

“In 1990, after more than 781 years, Cambridge University got its first press officer.

Until then, if the media wanted to know something, they would ring the vice-

chancellor's office...”TimesHigherEducation

What we do now…

• Strategic advice on reputation

• Media relations

• Communications and messaging around major issues, including access

• Political policy, research and insight

What we do…

• Publications; such as Research Horizons

• Website and social media

• Public engagement; including events such as Cambridge Science Festival

• Design, brand and licensing; including use of the University logo

What we do…

• Advice and guidance on print, web and multi-media design and work

• Video and images

• Internal communications; including staff newsletter

The future…

• improve our ability to influence – UK and global - opinion-formers and decision makers

• ensure communications – internal and external – reflect the University’s priorities and support the delivery of these, and

• maximise reach and minimise risk in a social media age.

OEA&C

Questions?