Manchester ranks among top universities in Knowledge Exchange Framework
08 Oct 2025
Research England measure gives our University the highest rating for Research Partnerships, with 19% growth in industry funding, recognising the strength of our partnerships and the impact they have for the people and the city.
Our University is one of the leading universities in England for research partnerships, IP and commercialisation, and public and community engagement, according to the results of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF5).
Published by Research England, the KEF provides information about the knowledge exchange activities of English higher education (HE) providers, such as the ways universities work with external partners like businesses and community groups for the benefit of the economy and society.
The data, available on the KEF’s interactive website, informs seven perspectives that look at the performance of English HE providers across a variety of knowledge exchange criteria that are aligned with key government priorities.
The KEF allows universities to better understand their own performance and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. HE providers are placed into clusters of peers with similar characteristics, with The University of Manchester placed in Cluster ‘V’ (very large, research-intensive universities) with 17 peer universities.
The University has again received the highest rating for Research Partnerships and is placed above its cluster group average. It also received a high engagement rating for Working with Business, which recognises the work of the University’s Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team.
The University’s performance is underlined by its 5th place ranking in the UK for industry research funding, with the most recent results showing 19% growth against the backdrop of a 0.2% contraction across the sector.
President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison said: “This recognises the strength of our partnerships and the impact they have in turning ideas into practical benefits for people and the city. From industry collaborations and spin-outs, to our training and community work, this is helping Manchester to thrive and create good jobs. Our focus now is to back our colleagues, students and partners to do even more great work.”
Vice President Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement, Professor Richard Jones said: “This year’s KEF results highlight the multiple ways by which The University of Manchester engages with businesses and communities – through our growing volume of business engagements, our strong spin-out performance, and our outstanding work in public engagement. The University is deeply committed to its role in the service of our city and nation, and will build on these strong results in the future.”
Powering economic growth and delivering community benefit
One example of impactful research collaboration is the University’s partnership with Saraco Industries which has led to the development of a world-first plastic free, biodegradable clinical disinfection wipe. Saraco estimated that this first-to-market product innovation opened a £140m market opportunity, and it won the 2024 Bionow ‘Project of the Year’ award.
Director Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange, Dr Louise Bates said: “The outcomes of KEF5 show yet again the positive way The University of Manchester is powering economic growth and delivering benefit to our communities, both in the region and nationally through Knowledge Exchange activities. Partnerships with business is driving much of this progress, and impact is driven through collaborations that extend across our staff and student communities.”
KEF results show that The University of Manchester is also one of the best universities in England for IP and commercialisation. The excellent performance of the University’s Innovation Factory in licensing, IP income, investment and turnover of spinouts continues to be recognised with the highest rating in IP and Commercialisation.