Universities Back Ambitious New Greater Manchester Strategy

Universities unite behind a vision for a fairer, greener, more prosperous city-region

Members of the Greater Manchester Civic University Board joined businesses, civic leaders and community groups last week for the launch of the refreshed Greater Manchester Strategy – a ten-year vision to build “a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life”.

Unveiled by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, the strategy sets out a shared roadmap for tackling the city-region’s biggest challenges, with two interlocking priorities at its heart: growing the economy and helping everyone in Greater Manchester live well.

From healthier homes and safer neighbourhoods to clearer pathways into high-quality jobs and a world-class transport system, the ambitious plan relies on what Mayor Andy Burnham called the city-region’s “relentless commitment to partnerships and collaboration,” adding:

"Our vision is ambitious, but in my eight years as Mayor, I’ve learned that, when we pull together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve. There's a long and proud tradition of collaboration in Greater Manchester. Devolution has turbocharged that and now we’re ready to deliver a new model of growth where no one is left behind.” 

This hyper-collaborative spirit is embodied by Greater Manchester’s five universities – the University of Greater Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Manchester, the Royal Northern College of Music, and the University of Salford – described in the strategy as “vital economic and innovation assets" and set to continue their pivotal role in turning the strategy’s vision into action.

The Greater Manchester Civic University Board, which brings together senior representatives from all five universities alongside the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), was invited to contribute to the strategy by offering insight on skills, research and civic partnership, and continues to play a key role in aligning the collective efforts of the universities in support of shared regional priorities.

Greater Manchester’s Universities are already working together to create clearer pathways into high-quality jobs and widen access to Higher Education for first-generation learners, helping set the city-region on course to become the UK’s leading engine of social mobility. Their research is also tackling health inequalities, driving climate action and expanding access to culture and the arts.

At the same time, Greater Manchester’s Universities are helping to drive economic growth across the region, partnering with employers to close skills gaps, supporting workforce development and turning research into real-world innovation and enterprise – boosting productivity, creating good jobs and helping to build a resilient, future-ready economy.

The launch of the Greater Manchester Strategy comes ahead of two key milestones for Greater Manchester’s Civic Universities. Next week, the Greater Manchester Civic University Board will publish its 2025 Annual Report, showcasing how Greater Manchester’s universities are turning civic ambition into meaningful impact. This autumn, the Board will also launch a refreshed set of priorities, shaped by local voices and closely aligned with the region’s goals.

The Greater Manchester Strategy is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together with a shared purpose. It sets out a bold and hopeful vision for Greater Manchester’s future, one that reflects our universities’ values of collaboration, inclusivity, listening and a commitment to ensuring everyone shares in our region’s success.

The decade ahead will be shaped by partnership, and Greater Manchester’s Universities remain committed to using our unique strengths in education, research and partnership, to help build a thriving, inclusive and sustainable city region for all.