Kevin Richardson
Kevin Richardson acts as Local Growth Expert Adviser for the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). Kevin acts as the key adviser to HEFCE senior management on policy and strategy relating to local growth in general, and in particular on the new EU Structural & Investment Funds (ESIF). Kevin worked until recently for the central government Department of Business in London leading on the innovation work stream for the ESIF programme. Kevin drafted the text for the Research, Development and Innovation section of the Partnership Agreement for England. He also drafted the approved Smart Specialisation Strategy for England.
Kevin has an expert and detailed practical understanding of the implementation of ESIF Operational programmes. He has been involved in the delivery of ERDF funded projects since 1995. He has represented local municipalities on regional executive committees. He has also been part of small teams that have negotiated successive regional ERDF Operational Programmes. Kevin has also acted as a Short Term Expert on ERDF in both Poland and Romania during their periods of accession.
Kevin now leads the support for an active working group of approximately 50 universities. He is also helping National Centre for Universities and Business to respond to an invitation from Government to establish a Smart Specialisation Advisory Hub.