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New Innovation Group to give School a competitive edge

16 March 2021

 

A new Innovation Group has been established to help drive forward the ambitions of Teesside University Business School and provide students with a competitive edge.

Warren Harrison.
Warren Harrison.

The first meeting of the Innovation Group was held last month, welcoming a diverse mix of industry professionals to collaboratively shape and support key strategic projects that deliver real impact for its students and the region.

Chaired by Frans Calje, CEO of PD Ports, the largest private employer in the Tees Valley and well-established partner of the University, the Group draws upon expertise from local, national and multi-national companies to drive a new approach that fosters innovation and creativity.

The cornerstone of the Innovation Group will be the implementation of a new learning model that builds upon the success of the institution’s award-winning Future Facing Learning framework, to bring the student experience to life in an unprecedented new way of working.

Teesside University Business School aims to deliver an innovative learning approach that embraces digitisation, experiential learning, sustainability and globalisation.

Students will be offered opportunities to immerse themselves in a learning model that is designed for them. From regional on-site and remote work placements, to national internships and global volunteering opportunities, the Business School is committed to delivering an outstanding student and learning experience that encourages students to challenge expectations, push the boundaries and make a difference.

Recognised by the UN for providing responsible management education, the Teesside University Business School already has an innovative portfolio of professionally accredited courses that offer industry-facing experience and blended learning options. The Innovation Group will facilitate the exchange of ideas to deliver innovative solutions to global challenges, through impactful teaching, research and knowledge exchange.

The creation of the Innovation Group demonstrates our commitment to our students of delivering a 21st Century learning experience that will set them apart as graduates

Warren Harrison.

Warren Harrison, Acting Dean of Teesside University Business School, explained that an innovative learning experience will give students a competitive edge.

He added: “I am delighted to welcome such an impressive group of professionals to work with the Business School on such an important project. We now have access to a myriad of experience from key industries that will help us to deliver for our students. The creation of the Innovation Group demonstrates our commitment to our students of delivering a 21st Century learning experience that will set them apart as graduates”.

Chair of the new Innovation Group, Frans Calje, of PD Ports – the longest serving private business partner of the School, praised this approach.

He said: “It is a privilege to be involved with a Business School that seeks to explore new ideas to deliver impact and success for its students. This approach is fresh and ambitious, and I look forward to working alongside businesses and business leaders from across the region and beyond on this exciting initiative.”

Innovation Group Members:

Frans Calje, CEO, PD Ports
Alistair Bibby, Executive Director, Goldman Sachs
Emma Harvey, Head of Innovation Lab, NHS
Laila Von Alvenslaben, Head of Culture & Collaboration, Mural
Jakob Widerberg, Senior Innovation Manager, Volvo Cars
Jessica Williams, Managing Director, Just Williams Ltd
David Wilson, General Manager Human Resources, PD Ports
Nick Wright, UK Managing Director, Hyper Island


 
 
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