A university and BAE will be deepening their collaboration to help accelerate technology development in the county with entrepreneurships.

The University of Central Lancashire has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BAE Systems enabling further collaboration.

The memorandum supports both parties’ ambitions to accelerate the pace of technology development by harnessing each other’s skills, facilities and connections as part of the process.

BAE Systems is sharing best practice and adopting the University’s approach to innovation training in the development and trialling of a new entrepreneurship programme for employees.

As the pace of technological development is changing the way sophisticated combat air systems are designed, built and maintained, this requires new skills and training processes for the combat air industry. 

UCLan’s vice chancellor, Professor Graham Baldwin said: “Our University is passionate about helping to level up the north and this exciting partnership with BAE Systems will help accelerate economic growth for the region through innovation, enterprise and knowledge exchange activities.

“It will also provide our students with real-world learning opportunities to enhance their knowledge and develop their future careers.”

BAE Systems advanced projects, technology and manufacturing director, Dave Holmes said “We’re delighted to be deepening our collaboration with UCLan to help us drive a critically important skills and technology agenda within the region.

“Working together we can help to guide each other by sharing best practice, research and experience that will keep us at the forefront of technology, something that we have a shared interest in delivering as we design the UK’s future combat air systems.”