Size Matters: Completing the Jigsaw for Rural and Regional Productivity. Exploring the Concept of Heatmapping for Evidencing the Non-Teaching Interactions and Impact of Smaller and Specialist Universities and Colleges in the United Kingdom

Abstract

In this paper, we explore an emerging experimental measure for capturing the interaction and impact of smaller and specialist universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. We conducted a series of qualitatively-based case studies in order to “map” institutional interactions locally, nationally and internationally. This paper discusses their development, summarises the approach taken and why it may be more beneficial than an economic impact report. The paper concludes by posing some further questions and recommendations.