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<p>It is important that universities focus on ensuring that their graduates have the
skills needed, including technical, vocational and transferable skills, to gain a
positive outcome from their degree. The higher education regulator, the Office for
Students’ (OfS), primary aim is to ensure that higher education delivers positive
outcomes for students and it has a regulatory focus to ensure that students are able
to progress into employment or further study.</p><p>The government is supporting regional
growth and retention of graduates in a number of ways. For example, on 16 May 2019,
the OfS announced £5.6 million funding for 15 projects aiming to support the transition
to highly skilled employment and improve outcomes for graduates who seek employment
in their home region. Details of this can be found here, and are also attached:</p><p><a
href="https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/news-blog-and-events/press-and-media/no-place-like-home/"
target="_blank">https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/news-blog-and-events/press-and-media/no-place-like-home/</a></p><p>Similarly,
the UK Research and Innovation “Strength in Places Fund” is a competitive fund for
collaborative bids between research institutions and businesses to support significant
regional growth through research and innovation. Details can be found here, and are
also attached:</p><p><a href="https://www.ukri.org/funding/funding-opportunities/strength-in-places-fund/"
target="_blank">https://www.ukri.org/funding/funding-opportunities/strength-in-places-fund/</a></p><p>University
Enterprise Zones are specific geographical areas where universities and business work
together to increase local growth and innovation. As part of Budget 2018, £10 million
was announced to fund up to 10 further zones. Details can be found here, and are also
attached:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/university-enterprise-zones/university-enterprise-zones"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/university-enterprise-zones/university-enterprise-zones</a></p><p>Furthermore,
the government part funds the National Centre for Universities and Business Collaboration,
which helps universities and businesses across the UK work together. This is important
to support the creation of a cycle of economic growth, providing jobs and quality
of life for highly skilled graduates.</p>
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