In our latest article showcasing those universities shortlisted for the THE Awards Outstanding Entrepreneurial University 2022, Chris Moule, Head of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Robert Gordon University looks at what makes RGU an entrepreneurial university.
What makes Robert Gordon University an Entrepreneurial University?
Being entrepreneurial is critical for the success of not only our university but also our society as a whole and at RGU we pride ourselves on existing to be a place of creativity, curiosity and new thinking to prepare and educate our entire communities with the skills and solutions to prosper.
Our dedicated Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group (EIG) work with academic schools and support departments to help drive innovation and support new enterprises to create impact and to contribute to Scotland’s economic prosperity. Through enterprise training programmes, innovation events, and exciting projects, EIG helps ensure RGU is a catalyst for curiosity and thinking differently to experiment with ideas, challenge norms and evolve to become a leading institution ready for both the current and the future.
RGU’s team of passionate staff have pioneered new innovations such as the launch of the university’s first Startup Accelerator programme in 2018 which has now successfully ran four times and supported 86 businesses that have gone on to create millions of pounds worth of economic impact. Alongside this was the subsequent 2020 launch of a new dedicated master’s level short course in Creative Entrepreneurship. This has attracted over 120 small businesses, offering insight and education to creative practitioners and budding entrepreneurs across Scotland.
We have hosted hundreds of events; launched new co-working spaces in the city centre and in libraries across Aberdeenshire; and formed strategy partnerships to deliver value in the region through multiple projects and programmes. The rising tide of innovation has floated many boats and the wider team is immensely proud of the university’s achievements over the past four years.
These growing number of activities have expanded our entrepreneurship provision across our student communities and into the region, helping to create more self-employed business founders, new companies and funded innovative new products and services.
In every economic downturn there are not only challenges but also opportunities. Opportunities particularly for innovation and entrepreneurship. We envisage the current post-pandemic downturn will provide a platform for start-ups to thrive and create innovative products, jobs and help the region to recover and prosper. Robert Gordon University exists to harness that. We’re an engine of economic and social growth, drawing upon strong partnerships in the region and delivering programmes that support individuals to upskill, reskill and launch new ventures.
Our focus is on having a positive impact that helps students develop an entrepreneurial mindset with confidence and ambition in abundance to take forward, create jobs and drive economic prosperity.
What would winning Outstanding Entrepreneurial University mean to you?
As a modern, post-92 regional university in the North East of Scotland, winning the Times Higher Education’s Outstanding Entrepreneurial University would be a fabulous endorsement of the work we have been investing in at RGU and just recognition for the enthusiastic commitment of the student entrepreneurs, academic staff and graduate communities who have actively engaged with our programmes and activities.
It would also be an expression of appreciation for many of our partners across the region who have worked alongside us to support entrepreneurship in the North East. Likewise, it would provide a foundation upon which we can evolve and confidently grow our activity and strengthen our partnerships closely aligned to the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation, which has entrepreneurship at its heart, positioning RGU as key to the economic and social development of our region through the launch of new innovations and ventures.
Lastly, as a team we’re very proud of our nomination and hope it provides inspiration to our communities and other similar sized universities who aspire to make.