Developing a socially entrepreneurial university

Higher Education in the United Kingdom is facing unprecedented change. The key drivers of this change are the squeeze on public sector funding, new pricing structures and increased competition from new entrants. In addition the coalition government aims to change the relationship between government, citizens and civil society. Within this context the University of Northampton has put in place a very ambitious strategy which puts social enterprise at the centre of its development. The strategic development of the University comes at a time when people are asking questions about the societal role of Universities. This is a continuation of a debate that has been taking place over many years with an increasing emphasis being placed on employability, entrepreneurship and the need to develop new approaches and new business models; requiring an increasing collaboration between Universities, public, private and third sector organisations. The paper will explore the genesis of the strategy, its key components and the elements that were needed to change the University into a socially entrepreneurial University and the opportunity this provides for the University to become part of a socially innovative region.