Skip to main content

The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF)

The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) at Brunel

UKRI

The Knowledge Exchange Framework or KEF was introduced by the UK Government in March 2021. The KEF aims to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the use of public funding for Knowledge Exchange (KE). This initiative also provides businesses and other users with useful information to help them access the world-class knowledge and expertise embedded in English universities.  KEF 2 was published in September 2022 using updated data alongside refinements to the methodology following feedback from the first survey.
 
The latest results show continued strong Brunel University London performance across several KEF areas and improved performance within the research partnerships and IP and commercialisation areas.  The following Brunel highlights of this second survey include: 

KEF Indicators Sector position
Research Partnerships Top 20%
Public and community engagement Top 40 %
Working with business Top 40%
IP and commercialisation Top 40%
   

Further information on KEF

Universities are grouped into “Clusters” to ensure they are compared with similar sized institutions with broadly similar public “missions”.   Brunel University London has been allocated to the cluster X for comparative purposes. This grouping consists of large, high research intensive universities with a broad academic disciplinary base.  

The KEF evaluates seven different aspects of a universities work with external stakeholders which are known as ''Perspective''. The seven Perspectives are: 

  • Public and community engagement 
  • Research partnerships
  • Working with business
  • CPD and graduate start ups 
  • Working with the public and third sector
  • Local growth and regeneration
  • IP and Commercialisation

For further information on KEF, please visit kef.ac.uk.