The Case of an Institutional Success:

University of Warwick

Lasha Macharashvili
Business Practices for Higher Education 2017
Illia State University
Quotes about UW
• ‘a beacon among British universities for its
dynamism, quality and entrepreneurial zeal’
Tony Blair - former British PM
• ‘UK's most digitally savvy university’
Virgin Media Business. 
Brief Introduction:
• Located in Coventry,West Midlands: Important
historical region of commerce and industry
• Established as public research university in 1965
(Plate Glass Generation)
• Motto: Mens agitat molem -  Mind moves matter
• Students: 25,615
• Endowment: £4.3 million
• Current rank in THE rankings: 91
Commerical Roots:
• First call for its creation in 1943 was already
focused on industry
• University was established after the support from
industrial lobby was secured
University of Warwick LTD
• It’s early ties to business
led to harsh criticism by
more traditional scholars
back in 1970s
What ever happened in 1980s?
• Conservatives started drastic cut for funds of
University Grants Committee in 1979/80
• Not having rich alumni network, UW had to seek
funds independently
• Threat was transformed into Opportunity
I will Survive
• UW focused on acquiring international students
(26% of students today)
• Science Park was opened in 1984 and nowadays
houses 85 High-Tech companies. Students are
introduced into company projects.
• In 1993 BP leased part of campus library for its
own archieve
• Conference facilities were established and it
developed itself to a popular brand throughout
years
I will Survive
• Warwick Arts Centre was created in 1974 which is
second largest Multi arts centre in UK
• International Digital Laboratory and
 International Institute for Product and Service
Innovation are established at campus in order to
support the thriving of local companies
• Print and design Services
• Sports Facilities
Goods Spirits
• For 35 years UW had
successful
relationship with
Smirnoff Vodka. UW
received about £ 19
million through
philanthropy.
Recent Years and Future
• In spite of Criticism, UW continues its ways and
succeeds academically
• In 2014 it was ranked 7th by research excellence in
UK
• In 2002 former Ford CEO Nicholas Scheele was
appointed as chancellor
• Up until today it plays significant role in social
and economic life of Region
Thank You