King’s College London is pleased to announce that Jo Johnson will join the university as President’s Professorial Fellow. His work will include leading a new project examining Britain’s place in the global knowledge economy. 

Jo Johnson said:  

“As a university that has influenced many of the advances that shape modern life, King's is the ideal place to consider how Britain’s knowledge assets – including its academics and innovators – will be central to the UK’s economic success and relevance as a knowledge economy on the global stage.”  

Professor Ed Byrne AC, President & Principal of King's College London, said:   

“I am delighted that Jo Johnson is joining King’s as President’s Professorial Fellow. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, both within higher education and policymaking. This new research will help us understand our strengths and weaknesses, and what more the UK can do to be a leader of the global knowledge economy.”  

Professor Bobby Duffy, Director of the Policy Institute at King’s College London, said:  

“Understanding and leveraging the UK’s place in the global knowledge economy is vital to our future economic success. This project, drawing on Jo’s insight, will provide an excellent basis to identify and prioritise actions that will cement the UK’s world-leading role.”

Mr Johnson began his career in Parliament as the MP for Orpington in 2010. He served as Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, Minister for Transport and Minister for London. He was also the Director of the Number 10 Policy Unit. Prior to his political career, Mr Johnson worked in investment banking, and later, at the Financial Times.