A partnership has been created between the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) and education establishments.

The CCR has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with higher and further education institutions from South East Wales, creating a framework for future collaboration on pivotal goals for economic wellbeing in the region.

It is the first of its kind in Wales.

Institutions including Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the University of South Wales are now working alongside regional further education colleges, such as Merthyr Tydfil, Coleg Gwent, Cardiff and Vale College, Coleg Y Cymoedd, and Bridgend College.

This collaboration capitalises on the wealth of academic and research excellence within South East Wales, thus the wider region is expected to harness the perks of this cooperative framework.

Each member institution plays a crucial role in championing the regional growth agenda and making sure that civic obligations towards inclusivity and sustainability provide the foundation for emerging initiatives.

Since 2017 the CCR has piloted successful projects with the cooperative forces of higher and further education, pulling in substantial research and innovation funding for the region.

Notably, the CCR is the only UK region to secure funding for two UK Research & Innovation Strength In Places Fund schemes (CSConnected & Media Cymru) worth nearly £100m in total.

This reinforced commitment guarantees regional interests are aligned and triggers additional channels for business engagement and collaborative teaching, learning, and research and development.

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, leader of Monmouthshire County Council, said: "I am delighted that higher and further education partners are uniting in their support of our regional ambitions.

"This builds on CCR’s endeavours to form a coalition of the willing, bringing together the people and organisations who can contribute to our mission for a bigger, greener and fairer region."

Equally, Kellie Beirne, CEO, Cardiff Capital Region, said: "This partnership demonstrates a significant coming together of educational and research institutions and a newly established regional public body, allowing us to align our efforts to advance our civic missions together.

"By formalising our relationships, we lay the groundwork for regional impact and future sustainable growth and a recognition that together, we can achieve more."