The Laptop Orchestra led by Professor David Toop of the London College of Communication performs in the chapel of King’s College London

UK universities are preparing to work more closely with the cultural and creative industries on income-generating ideas through a new membership organisation called The Culture Capital Exchange. The new venture has developed out of the university ‘knowledge exchange’ consortium LCACE, which was set up in 2004 to promote links between London universities and the capital’s arts and cultural sector. The new network, which will take the form of a not-for-profit company, will aim to “address the disconnect that exists between universities and the creative and cultural economy” and have a greater emphasis on the private sector and creative industries than its predecessor. It intends to operate as a one-stop shop for any small business or entrepreneur from the cultural and creative industries wanting to work with higher education. Eleven higher education institutions, including City University London, King’s College London and University of the Arts, London, have already signed up to the network, and businesses, individuals and public sector organisations can all join as affiliate members. Professor Barry Ife, Principal of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, one of the founding members, said: “The economics of UK higher education are changing fast and most universities now recognise that they must generate more of their own income. Capitalising on the valuable research and marketable ideas being produced by many academics is an obvious solution.”