Knowledge Exchange Framework
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| Knowledge Exchange Framework | |
|---|---|
| Name | Knowledge Exchange Framework |
| Abbreviation | KEF |
| Established | 2019 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Administered by | Research England |
| Related | Research Excellence Framework, Teaching Excellence Framework, Office for Students |
Knowledge Exchange Framework is a UK policy instrument designed to assess and benchmark how higher education institutions engage with external partners and deliver economic and social benefits. It complements Research Excellence Framework, Teaching Excellence Framework, and funding mechanisms administered by Research England, UK Research and Innovation, and the Office for Students. The framework produces institutional profiles intended to inform stakeholders including businesses, charities, local authorities, and national funders.
Overview
The framework evaluates universities and higher education providers across multiple dimensions such as strategic partnerships, commercialisation, continuing professional development, and local economic engagement. It links institutional activity to metrics used by bodies like Research England, Higher Education Funding Council for England, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and regional organisations such as Greater London Authority. Outputs include institutional KEF profiles that sit alongside assessments like Research Excellence Framework and metrics from Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings.
History and Development
Origins trace to policy reviews by entities including HM Treasury, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and advisory groups led by figures associated with NESTA and the Russell Group. Pilot phases began after consultations with representative bodies such as the Committee of University Chairs, Universities UK, and the National Centre for Universities and Business. Development intersected with reforms following the Browne Review and post-2010 shifts influenced by white papers from Department for Education and directives from European Commission innovation programmes.
Structure and Methodology
The framework uses institutional self-reported data, quantitative indicators, and case studies to create profiles across clusters defined by characteristics used by Office for Students registration and funding councils. Metrics draw on sources such as Higher Education Statistics Agency data, Intellectual Property records linked to UK Intellectual Property Office, and research outputs catalogued in systems like Crossref and ORCID. Methodology papers published by Research England set out domains, indicators, and statistical clustering similar to approaches used in evaluations by Metric Tide and reviews by Nuffield Foundation.
Implementation and Institutional Use
Universities and colleges submit data through portals coordinated by Research England and interact with institutional offices such as technology transfer units and knowledge transfer partnerships operated with partners like Innovate UK and Knowledge Transfer Partnership. Institutional actors include pro-vice-chancellors, deans, and directors of enterprise from providers such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, and modern providers like University of the Arts London and Open University. Local adoption manifests through collaborations with combined authorities including Greater Manchester Combined Authority and LEPs active after the Localism Act 2011.
Impact and Evaluation
Evaluations examine effects on university strategy, engagement with firms including small and medium enterprises, and regional innovation ecosystems referencing case studies in cities like Bristol, Newcastle upon Tyne, Leeds, and Glasgow. Independent reviews by think tanks such as Higher Education Policy Institute, Institute for Fiscal Studies, and Nesta assess whether the framework alters incentives relative to outcomes measured in Research Excellence Framework rounds and funding allocations from bodies like UK Research and Innovation. Studies track indicators including spinouts registered with Companies House, collaborative grants with Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and professional development enrollments accredited by organisations similar to Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Criticisms and Controversies
Critiques arise from unions like University and College Union and sector groups such as Universities UK who argue the framework may incentivise gaming, favour research-intensive institutions, or divert resources from teaching missions highlighted by debates around Teaching Excellence Framework and funding cuts discussed in Autumn Budget Statement. Concerns also reference methodological limits noted by statisticians at institutions including London School of Economics and University College London and by commentators in outlets such as The Guardian and The Times. Tensions continue between national priorities set by Department for Education and regional ambitions championed by combined authorities exemplified in disputes over devolution funding.