The Research & Innovation Service (RIS) supports University staff with attaining external funding for research and enterprise activity and the ability to reach out and work in partnership with external organisations. We help the local economy benefit from the University's research, world-leading expertise, state of the art facilities and equipment, and specialist 'know-how' from both our staff and students.
The University's wide-ranging expertise addresses many key societal and economic challenges. We develop funded partnerships and initiatives to help researchers and businesses address these concerns.
Our Research & Innovation Strategy for 2022-2026 outlines our aspirations to cultivate an interdisciplinary research culture and partnership environment that generates new knowledge, creates insights and resources that have a positive impact on society, inspires our students to push the boundaries of what’s possible and transforms lives.
The strategy highlights our existing research excellence across three existing and internationally recognised areas and we aim to leverage these strengths to benefit our students and communities, while addressing regional and national priorities in line with our five ambitious goals.
In 2025, Cambridge Policy Consultants Ltd, an independent assessment consultancy, carried out a robust research analysis of the University of Bedfordshire's social and economic impact on the local and national economy.
Read the University's current Socio-Economic Impact Review (2025) [PDF] to find out about our key Research and Knowledge Exchange activities.
Our previous Socio-Economic Impact report, produced by Hatch Regeneris in 2020, can also be viewed here Impact Report [PDF]
The Strategy sets out how we work with our communities to help shape a fairer, healthier and more sustainable future for Bedfordshire. Built on the belief that the region’s future should be shaped with the people who live, work and study here, the strategy defines how we strengthen our civic role and contribute to inclusive growth across the county.
Guided by the principles of People, Place and Purpose, the strategy reflects our commitment to:
Developed through conversations with students, staff, residents and partners, the strategy focuses on four priorities that reflect what matters most to our region:
University of Bedfordshire's Community Engagement Strategy 2026-2030 [PDF]
Research & Innovation Service provides timely assistance for staff seeking research funding and external engagement. We support you with:
