University of Cambridge: communications presentation to CIPR East Anglia
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The changing face of Cambridge University: From medieval institution to innovation powerhouse Paul Mylrea, Director of Communications
Transcript of 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?
