Civic Duty

For GRID and the University of Glasgow, civic responsibiity is part of our institutional DNA. The fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world, its founding statute makes clear the institution was created to benefit the city and country.

Community and civic responsibility are key themes within GRID and one of our priorities is ensuring that economic and innovation activity results in tangible benefits that has a positive impact on those who live within its boundaries and, so far as possible, helps and contributes to communities in addressing challenges present in the region.   

The GRID area (encompassing G3, G11, G12, and G51 postcodes) is in places characterised by some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in Scotland – in stark contrast to much of the more prosperous West End of Glasgow where its Gilmorehill campus is situated. While attracting research investment and sending graduates out into the world to do great things is fantastic, the University is acutely aware that it is just a stone’s throw away from communities who have been left behind.

The University believes it could not exist as an institution for the benefit of the citizens of the city if it did not look to address the needs of Glaswegians living on its doorstep. Those principles and affinity to the city are overlaid in the fabric of GRID. 

Mission statement - 

GRID is place where innovation meets opportunity. Anchored by the University of Glasgow - a World Top 100 University with a deep civic mission - Glasgow Riverside Innovation District aims to connect places, people, ideas and technology to co-create opportunities for all, whilst positioning Glasgow as a leader in the future of technology and innovation.