BNY (NYSE: BNY), a global financial services company, and The University of Manchester have announced the launch of the Future of Work Alliance, a five year, £5 million initiative focused on advancing how human-led digital transformation can be integrated responsibly into large, data-intensive organisations in the AI era.
The Future of Work Alliance combines BNY’s demonstrable experience deploying AI at scale with The University of Manchester’s world-leading research, with deep strengths in applied AI, data science and inclusive innovation. The initiative, enabled by the University's innovation arm – Unit M – will be delivered through the Alliance Manchester Business School and will focus on designing, testing and scaling new models for the responsible use and application of AI.
Centred in Manchester, where BNY has operated for more than two decades, the Alliance will use real operational challenges to connect academic research with day to day business needs. The work is intended to provide hands on, real world problem solving that accelerates innovation and capability building, informing how to scale AI responsibly over time. In parallel, executive and professional education programmes will support leadership, governance and change management skills needed for human-led AI adoption.
The Future of Work Alliance will focus on five connected areas:
- BNY Research Challenge Programme: live operational challenges converted into structured, student led academic projects delivering practical insights and solutions.
- Alliance Manchester Business School Executive Education: bespoke academic programmes designed to equip BNY leaders to excel in an AI enabled organisation.
- Postgraduate Internships: multi week placements giving high performing students hands on experience within BNY’s Manchester office.
- Scholarships and an Endowed Chair: support for five AI focused scholarships and a BNY endowed Chair to provide long term academic leadership via the University’s Challenge Accepted campaign.
- Keynote Lecture Series: convening academic and industry leaders to shape debate on the future workforce and responsible AI.
“One of the challenges for organisations is how AI can be scaled in complex environments,” said Alejandro Perez, Chief Operating Officer of BNY. “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.”
The Future of Work Alliance strengthens Manchester’s role as a centre for responsible human-led AI innovation shaped around people, skills and work, while establishing a model with global relevance, intended to deliver meaningful outcomes to support students, leaders and organisations as AI becomes increasingly embedded in day to day work.
“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,” said Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice Chancellor of The University of Manchester. “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.”
“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,” said Lord Stockwood, Minister for Investment, Department for Business and Trade. “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.”
“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,” said Joe Manning, Managing Director of Invest Manchester. “BNY’s growing presence, alongside The University of Manchester’s research and talent, makes this an exciting initiative for the city. 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.”
The University of Manchester initiative builds on BNY’s wider engagement with universities, including with Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Central Florida, reflecting a broader effort to connect academic research and talent with real world business challenges.