Feasibility of Establishing an Open University Innovation Centre
Client: Open University
The Open University is a unique organisation with a distinctive set of strengths that reflect the research specialisms of its staff, and the institution's innovative use of digital technologies to enable distant learning. The proposal to establish an innovation centre was driven by the objective detailed in the Open University's Students First Strategy to enhance student employability and career progression.
SQW worked with our sister company, Oxford Innovation, to investigate demand for, and the feasibility of, establishing an innovation centre linked to the Open University. The study coincided with a period of reflection and change at the Open University and we engaged extensively with staff to consider the role and purpose of a new facility, consistent with the Open University's broad objectives. We developed a series of options, tested these with senior management, and investigated the nature and pattern of demand before preparing a business plan and financial model.
