BNY and The University of Manchester have launched the Future of Work Alliance, a five-year, £5m initiative aimed at advancing responsible human-led digital transformation in large organisations.
The initiative will be delivered through Alliance Manchester Business School, supported by Unit M, and will focus on designing and scaling new models for responsible artificial intelligence (AI).
The Future of Work Alliance will include a research challenge programme, executive education, postgraduate internships, scholarships and an endowed chair, as well as a keynote lecture series.
Alejandro Perez, chief operating officer at BNY, said: “One of the challenges for organisations is how AI can be scaled in complex environments.
“The Future of Work Alliance connects our operational reality with The University of Manchester’s world-class research and talent pipeline to build the foundations for human-led digital transformation at scale.”
Professor Duncan Ivison, president and vice-chancellor at The University of Manchester, said: “AI is transforming work globally, and this alliance brings our highly talented researchers, students and our civic mission together with BNY’s experience of deploying AI responsibly at scale.
“The Alliance shows how universities and industry can work together to build trusted approaches to AI, develop future skills and deliver long-term economic and social value for Manchester and beyond.”
Lord Stockwood, minister for investment, Department for Business and Trade, said: “BNY’s £5 million initiative with The University of Manchester is excellent news for Manchester and the wider region, building on the firm’s long-standing contribution to the local economy.
“The Future of Work Alliance is a clear example of our Industrial Strategy in action – bringing together a global financial leader and a top UK university to drive AI innovation, develop future skills and strengthen regional growth, helping secure the UK’s position as a leading destination for investment.”
Joe Manning, managing director of Invest Manchester, said: “BNY’s story in Manchester is one of the best examples of what long-term investment in a place looks like.
“Having arrived in 2005, they have grown into one of the city’s largest financial services employers.
“BNY’s growing presence, alongside The University of Manchester’s research and talent, makes this an exciting initiative for the city.”
Manning added: “Manchester is the most AI-ready city in the UK, and this alliance will bring together two institutions with the experience and credibility to tackle the questions around AI that businesses are facing right now.”
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