The role universities can play in powering the new government's
growth strategy and in creating opportunities for millions all
over the UK is being outlined by a group of experts from within
and outside higher education.
Universities UK's new blueprint for universities will launch this
Autumn. Yesterday morning university leaders, experts on the
economy and former cabinet ministers met to discuss the action
needed – from the new government and from higher education itself
to ensure universities deliver their potential.
The landmark paper comes at a pivotal time for the higher
education sector. Universities are generating billions for the UK
economy, training the future workforce and leading the way in
research and development, but concerns about the sector's
financial future have to be addressed.
The blueprint explores how universities can tackle the challenges
that the public care about the most, including the economy, the
NHS and climate change. From attracting billions in investment to
training healthcare workers, these areas are central aspects of
universities' missions.
Dame Professor Sally Mapstone FRSE, President of Universities UK
and Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of St
Andrews, is overseeing the creation of the blueprint for
Universities UK. Introducing the work, she said:
“This blueprint emphasises the centrality of universities to a
thriving United Kingdom. It sets out how universities can
stimulate growth, drive innovation, and open up opportunity. It
has been produced with the advice of a range of experts external
to the sector so as to generate an outward-facing change-oriented
approach. At the same time it acknowledges and values what
universities already do for our economy, culture, and social
mobility. Universities are in an ideal position to help deliver
on the government's growth ambitions but action is needed to
ensure this great work can continue with the velocity and depth
that are necessary.”
To address some of the opportunities and challenges of the
future, the paper brings together an expert panel of
commissioners from a range of sectors, including Rain
Newton-Smith, Chief Executive of the CBI, Lord Peter , former Cabinet minister, and
Lord David Willets, former Minister of State. In eight chapters,
the commissioners set out the steps the new government and
policymakers must take to allow the higher education sector to
thrive and serve society better.
Lord Peter will lead a chapter on research
and development. Discussing the importance of the chapter, he
said:
“Universities underpin the UK's entire research and innovation
sector and we will not rebuild our economy without investing more
in them. Britain has a world class research base and now is the
time to step up its translation into new UK industry and supply
chains. Success depends on putting finance capital together with
the talent in our universities. This has to be central to all the
government says and does. Everything else the government wants to
do is tied to it – we sink or swim depending on our
success.”
Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive of the CBI will spearhead a
chapter on how universities can generate growth for employers and
local communities. She said:
"With firm roots in local communities and strong links with other
key sectors, universities are uniquely well-placed to spark
economic growth. They are often the largest employer in their
local area and play a key role in forming new businesses and
supporting SMEs.
Through creating greater partnerships with business, embedding
the potential of universities across government policy and
investing in local partnerships and collaboration, universities
can drive inclusive, sustainable growth across the
country.”
The blueprint is due to be published in Autumn this year, with a
view to influencing the new government's first spending review.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Full list of chapters and commissioners:
Chapter 1: Impact of the UK's higher education and
research- Mr Andy Haldane CBE FAcSS FRS FRSA
Chapter 2: Creating opportunity for learners in England
and social mobility- Professor Nick Pearce
Chapter 3: Tertiary education in England-
Professor David Phoenix OBE DL FRSC FAcSS and Dame Ann Limb DBE
DL FRSA
Chapter 4: Generating economic growth for employers and
local communities across the UK- Ms Rain
Newton-Smith
Chapter 5: Making groundbreaking discoveries and powering
an innovative UK economy- The Rt Hon. the Lord PC
Chapter 6: The UK's international
competitiveness- The Rt Hon. the PC FRS HonFRSC HonFREng FAcSS
Chapter 7: Implications for the future shape of the
higher education sector in England – funding and business
models- Professor Shitij Kapur FMedSci and Mr John
Rushforth
Chapter 8: Implications for regulation
of the sector in England- Professor Julia Black CBE FBA
