Against this backdrop, and a regional economy marked by persistent low-growth and high-debt, the Caribbean finds itself at a point of inflection. As a developmental university, The UWI is determined to disrupt the historical constructs that have disadvantaged Caribbean economies. Entrepreneurship holds the promise to increase diversification, strengthen resilience, and enhance financial inclusion opportunities for the more than six million people across the 17 English-speaking Caribbean countries served by The UWI. However, this calls for an urgent recalibration of systems and processes that will help situate high-demand economic activity at the heart of not only national, but also regional and global value chains. Universities are central to this process; driving science, technology and innovation, providing training and building entrepreneurial ecosystems that incentivise economic activity for Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and catalyse export-led growth in non-traditional sectors. For this reason, one of the three pillars of The UWI’s Triple A Strategic Plan (2017-2022 Strategic Plan) themed Revitalising Caribbean Development , focuses on strengthening the alignment between academia and industry. The UWI has been leading the charge in fostering a more entrepreneurial ecosystem across our regional university, expanding educational courses and training on entrepreneurship, promoting
Entrepreneurship holds the promise to increase diversification, strengthen resilience, and enhance financial inclusion opportunities for the more than six million people across the 17 English-speaking Caribbean countries served by The UWI.
knowledge exchange through workshops, symposia and consultations with industry and establishing a range of robust collaborations with industry partners. It is this demonstration of our institutional commitment that has helped to position The UWI among the top 4% of universities globally. Our UWI-Coventry Institute for Industry-Academic Partnership will further promote enhanced innovation, entrepreneurship and international competitiveness of Caribbean private sector companies through research and economic partnerships. I am indeed proud of the many examples of phenomenal work being led by our faculty, staff and students across our campuses, which are featured in this magazine. With your continued support, we will continue to make bold strides towards building a more entrepreneurial university and region.
The UWI Regional Headquarters Building at Mona, Jamaica.
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