The Sussex And The City Podcast
– Episode #38
Universities, Knowledge And The Future Of Sussex Prosperity (Part One)
Host: Richard Freeman
Guest: Joanna Havers - Associate Director for Knowledge Exchange, University of Brighton
🔍 Episode summary
Universities are often discussed in terms of teaching and research. But there is a third role that is becoming increasingly important: knowledge exchange.
In this episode, Richard Freeman speaks with Jo Havers, Associate Director for Knowledge Exchange at the University of Brighton, about the role universities play in shaping the Sussex economy, partnerships and innovation.
As the conversation around devolution and a potential Sussex mayoral authority gathers pace, the role of universities as anchor institutions becomes critical. Universities connect research, talent and ideas with businesses, public services and communities - but their contribution to local growth is often poorly understood.
Jo sits right at that intersection between the university and the wider world. Her work focuses on building partnerships that link research, student talent and industry needs with real economic and social outcomes.
Together they explore how universities are hoping to help shape the next chapter of Sussex's economic story.
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🎯 In this episode
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Why knowledge exchange is now a central part of what universities do
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How universities support business growth, community organisations and local government
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The role of universities as anchor institutions in regional development
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Why Sussex's economy is diverse but fragmented compared with other regions
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The opportunities and blind spots within the UK Government's Industrial Strategy
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Why graduate talent and higher-level skills must be part of regional growth plans
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The importance of building a shared economic narrative for Sussex
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How universities help students connect with local SMEs and career pathways
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Why productivity should be about better outcomes, not simply "more output"
🧠 Key themes:
Modern universities are no longer simply places of teaching and research. They increasingly act as civic partners, connecting knowledge, research and talent with local economic and social challenges.
Sussex has strong sectors - from creative industries and engineering to green growth and digital technology - but they are dispersed rather than clustered. That creates resilience but makes it harder to tell a clear economic story.
Skills policy often focuses on lower-level training. But a regional growth strategy must also include graduate talent, research capability and innovation capacity.
A Sussex mayor could provide the coordinated leadership and national voice needed to bring together universities, businesses and public institutions around a shared regional strategy.
What Jo says"Knowledge exchange is really what it says on the tin; taking academic learning and asking how it can benefit society, culture, communities and the economy."
"Sussex isn't a single industrial cluster. It's a conurbation of different strengths, and we need to start telling that story."
"Students want to stay here. The challenge is creating the opportunities that allow them to do that."
"Productivity can't just mean more jobs and more output. It has to mean better outcomes for people and communities."
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🎧 Production credits
Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Joanna Havers Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue
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