UCFB Manchester hosts Knowledge Exchange and Research conference to strengthen sport industry impact

UCFB Manchester recently welcomed academics from across the institution for a Knowledge Exchange and Research (KER) conference, showcasing how research and industry collaboration are helping to shape the future of the global sports industry.

The event highlighted the importance of connecting academic research with real-world practice, bringing together colleagues to share ideas, explore collaborative opportunities and demonstrate how UCFB’s research is making a tangible impact across football and the wider sports sector.

From business and coaching to media and performance, the conference reinforced UCFB’s commitment to ensuring its research not only advances academic understanding but also supports better decision-making across the industry.

Adam Davis, Course Leader for BA (Hons) International Football Business, explained how knowledge exchange bridges the gap between research and professional practice.

“Knowledge exchange and research can mean a variety of different things,” he said. “Research may involve interviews, data analysis or academic papers, but for us it is always focused on sport.

“The knowledge exchange element is where that research has a real impact. There is little value in developing great ideas if they are never applied to the sport we love.

“At UCFB, we work closely with governing bodies, football clubs and leagues across coaching, media and business to help improve decision-making and contribute to the continued growth of the sports industry.”

The conference also demonstrated the value of collaboration between academics, encouraging colleagues to learn from one another while sharing their expertise with industry partners.

Ian Tomlinson, Course Leader for BA (Hons) Sports Management, believes that exchanging knowledge both within UCFB and beyond is essential to driving progress across sport.

“The world is full of knowledge, but it is about opening up those opportunities to learn from each other,” he said.

“Knowledge exchange is so important because it allows us to share what we know with the wider sports industry while also learning from professionals working within it.

“Research can have a genuine impact. Whether it is injury prevention or other areas of sport, our work can help organisations make better decisions, improve performance and ultimately move the industry forward.”

The conference also reflected UCFB’s wider mission of maintaining strong relationships with the industries it serves, ensuring research remains relevant to the challenges facing modern sport.

UCFB Dean Rob Wilson highlighted the importance of those partnerships in preparing students for successful careers.

“In today’s world, it is absolutely crucial that higher education is deeply connected with the sectors that it serves,” he said.

“At UCFB, we make sure we are in those industries, in those boardrooms, stadiums, coaching sessions and media and broadcast environments.

“That connectivity means our research is informed by real-world challenges, and when our students graduate, they are ready to make an immediate impact in the sports industry.”

The Knowledge Exchange and Research conference forms part of UCFB’s ongoing commitment to producing impactful research that informs industry, supports innovation and strengthens the links between higher education and the world of sport.