A joint venture which underscores this region's growing knowledge economy has been told it is forging a path for similar initiatives.
The University of East Anglia's internationalisation programme, INTO UEA, generates more than £65m a year and, since it was set up 10 years ago, has educated more than 5,000 international students, bolstering Norwich's global presence.
Yesterday, the Lord Lieutenant for Norfolk, Richard Jewson, presented staff with the Queen's Award for Enterprise in international trade, an honour which was announced in April.
In the past, the award has been given to firms with strong international sales and exports, though INTO's accolade focuses more on its global academic impact, boosting a growing local knowledge economy.
Mr Jewson said its success had inspired similar set-ups elsewhere around the country.
He said: '4.5 million people study outside of their own country, a number which is set to double again by 2025.
'They are increasingly aware of the choices open to them and their power as consumers.
'This organisation attractions and accurately markets for more than 110 countries across the world and since 2006, a further 19 university partnerships have been created as a consequences of INTO.'
He said the partnership had played a 'major part' in raising the presence of Norfolk across the UK.
During his visit, Mr Jewson spoke to three classrooms of students taking A-Level science. INTO delivers pathway programmes for students to prepare them for university study.
Its revenue has more than doubled from £9.2m in the financial year 2009 up to £19.7m in the last financial year and its annual economic clout is put at about £66.3m – a figure which takes into account tuition and accommodation fees and other study-related spending.
Debbie Price, Into centre director, said the recognition was a 'proud moment' in its history.
'This year alone we have taught 1,600 students in this building and now we have won this award,' she said.
'Over the last 10 years we have created more than 140 jobs, which is something we are very proud of.
'Most of our thousands of students go on to further study at UEA, and many international students who study here go on the invest in the UK at some point in their life, which is excellent.'
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