Creativity in crisis: finding opportunity in uncertain times

Sven Batke, Associate Head of Research and Knowledge Exchange, Edge Hill University

Worry and fear - especially fear of the unknown - seem to be the emotional default for many academics these days, largely thanks to the financial turbulence currently rocking UK higher education. With major cuts sweeping through the university sector, institutions across the country are feeling the pinch. While this isn’t the first time UK universities have faced financial strain, the past few months have been especially brutal. Hundreds of roles and services are on the chopping block, and those left behind are expected to keep the wheels turning, with fewer resources at their disposal.

As with many businesses (and let’s face it, universities are increasingly run like businesses - whether or not that’s philosophically sound is up for debate), the first things to go are often roles, services, and initiatives that aren’t immediately profitable. But hidden beneath the surface of all these cuts is a more subtle and serious threat: the erosion of institutional innovation. Universities tend to focus their remaining energy on areas that are franchisable, marketable, and measurable. But anyone who’s ever worked in an innovative space knows: creativity is the beating heart of innovation.

In my view, innovation thrives at the intersection between creative freedom and structured scalability. You need both. But here’s the catch, you have to manage them independently. What many universities are doing right now, perhaps out of necessity or desperation, is slashing the very spaces that foster creativity. That includes time (precious, undisturbed time) for academics to think, experiment, and explore. The danger? In the long run, innovation suffers. Franchises without creative input become stale. Innovation, after all, needs nurturing.

So, where does Konfer fit into all this?

Konfer wasn’t necessarily designed to save academia from budget cuts. Originally, it was meant to be a kind of "dating platform", a digital first handshake between businesses and academics. And to its credit, it’s already sparked some lovely success stories. But Konfer might now find itself playing a more vital role: helping academics maintain creative dialogue beyond the limitations of institutional silos and shrinking budgets.

It offers a way to connect with businesses, with people working on exciting projects, with potential collaborators who might just be the missing piece in your next big idea. With a few clicks, you can share your thoughts, list challenges you’re facing, and start fresh conversations. Maybe you’ve got an ambitious project that’s stalled, or one that needs a new direction, or maybe you just need someone who can help you scale it. Konfer could help you find that person.

Now, I’m not claiming Konfer can replace all the creative spaces that fuel great innovation. But in times like these, when inward-looking institutions are cutting corners, turning outward might just be our best move. Collaboration and cross-sector creativity are going to be key if we want the UK to stay at the forefront of innovation and R&D.

Creativity needs space and Konfer sits in that valuable in-between space where creativity and opportunity meet. Even under financial pressure, it offers a chance to stay nimble, inventive, and open to new ideas. You never know what your next connection could lead to. I’ve personally used Konfer to spark "wacky" ideas, explore them, and even turn them into full-fledged research proposals. Sometimes it leads somewhere; sometimes it doesn’t, but it always leads to new insights, new people, and new possibilities.

So, if you’re feeling the weight of uncertainty, try to protect your creative time, look outward, and embrace a purpose-driven approach to innovation. Konfer could be just the space you need to take your next idea from concept to reality.

May 2025