Innovation disrupting construction and the role of UK Universities

Matt Beveridge , Head of Innovation & Partnerships (Estates Office) at the 英国伯明翰大学 , is responsible for shaping the strategy, vision, and ongoing development of estates innovation. Matt, who is shortlisted for the Innovation Awards' Innovation Thought Leader of the Year, shares reflections on universities, innovation and construction following his participation in UK Construction Week London.

Universities are more than just centres of education; they often function as microcosms of society, akin to small cities. With energy plants, sports facilities, communal study spaces, and research hubs, universities create an ecosystem ripe for innovation.?

Earlier this year, I was invited to join an innovation panel at UK Construction Week London and I spoke about how universities can foster innovation, and the need to promote creativity and exploration, embrace change, collaboration, and continuous learning. The development of the University of Birmingham's campus is a good example of this. The campus is evolving and this provides a unique testbed for novel solutions and technology that are grounded in research and development, to achieve our sustainability and net zero ambitions. What we are learning, and the data generated also has implications for addressing similar challenges elsewhere – locally and internationally. ?

This, in turn, sparked discussion about the positive impact of Higher Education more broadly, including the opportunities created to build skills in entrepreneurship, and tap into new networks that help students to build understanding and confidence.

UK Construction Week London brought together over 300 exhibitors showcasing their expertise across various specialisms including digital technology, machinery and sustainability. These types of events are great opportunities for surfacing innovations that can enhance campus and for new opportunities to explore collaborative opportunities for research and education. At the University of Birmingham we are a proud member institution of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and we actively collaborate with industry, government bodies and other organisations to foster a culture of innovation and ensure new knowledge can flourish and be shared for the benefit of everyone.

Alongside Sara Davies MBE and other industry leaders, I heard from six innovative start-ups who pitched game-changing products for the UK construction industry. From cutting-edge technologies to revolutionary solutions, these start-ups promise to disrupt the sector and propel it into the future, including a planning tool to simplify complex decision-making to increase the speed at which we decide how to decarbonise. Think ‘Dragons Den’ live on stage, followed by Q&A and a discussion.

Feedback from start-ups, large corporations, FE and HE students, and international visitors was incredibly positive, and I enjoyed representing the University while also getting to learn more about some of the new solutions impacting the global construction sector. I am looking forward to the next UK Construction Week event, which is happening right here in the Birmingham later in the year (Tuesday 1 – Thursday 3 October).

Find out more about developments to our campus and how we are collaborating with external partners on our Building Our Campus webpage: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/building

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