University Enterprise Zones are specific geographical areas in the United Kingdom where universities engage with Local Enterprise Partnerships to provide business incubator spaces and stimulate economic growth by the application of university backed innovation.
[1] The ten year pilot program for University Enterprise zones was announced by David Cameron in December 2013[2] "in response to findings in the Witty Review[3] that universities could play a bigger role in enhancing economic growth".
[4] Of the nine applicants,[5] four were funded:[6] An interim evaluation of the policy was made in 2017[7] at a cost of £45k.
[8] The final evaluation is due in 2023.
In September 2019 UK Government funding was announced for 20 further UEZs:[9]