Universities play an important role in economic and social recovery through partnerships with employers and local enterprise partnerships. Skills advisory panels bring together universities, employers, and skills providers to understand skills needs and direct over £33 million in funding to projects like the University of Surrey's 5G Innovation Centre and the Innovation South virtual campus which provides online training to over 2,900 employees. The local enterprise partnership is also funding health, future towns, and creative technology initiatives to support innovation, workforce development, and economic recovery in the region.