Universities UK is preparing to launch a paper this autumn, outlining the crucial role universities can play in driving the new government’s growth strategy and creating opportunities across the UK.
The blueprint, which brings together experts from various sectors, aims to address key challenges facing the nation and highlight the potential of higher education institutions.
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 this landmark paper:
“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.”
The paper will explore how universities can tackle pressing issues such as economic growth, healthcare, and climate change. It comes at a critical time for the higher education sector, which is facing financial concerns despite its significant contributions to the UK economy, workforce development, and research and development.
Lord Peter Mandelson, who is leading the chapter on research and development, stressed the importance of investing in universities:
“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 contribute a chapter on how universities can generate growth for employers and local communities:
“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, set to be published this autumn, aims to influence the new government’s first spending review. It will comprise eight chapters, each led by commissioners from various sectors, addressing topics such as the impact of UK higher education and research, social mobility, tertiary education, international competitiveness, and the future shape and regulation of the higher education sector in England.
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