06 | NEWS AND CURRENT AF FAIRS
UK HE key to economic strength
If the UK is to make its way in a world of intense global competition, growing businesses and universities must make the most of its world- class research base to keep the UK at the forefront of innovation and help deliver future growth. That’s according to a new report published by the CBI and Middlesex University. In recent years the UK’s diverse
universities have made huge strides in supporting business innovation and the research that underpins it – playing its part in driving the economic recovery. Many firms have already developed partnerships with universities, with half of CBI members planning to strengthen their ties in the future. While many large firms may already have established relationships, there is much for smaller, ambitious firms to gain by taking their first steps to developing a tie-in with a university. The challenge is to assist mid-
sized businesses in understanding exactly how to get the best from partnering with universities, to encourage more to take part in such schemes. From collaborating on business-relevant research to staff work exchanges between universities and companies, firms of all sizes
can use these links to expand their horizons and drive innovation. Neil Carberry, CBI Director for
Employment and Skills policy, said: “The UK’s universities are a leading light with world-beating research skills and facilities that punch above their weight. In an ever more competitive global economy, we must strain every sinew to get the most out of this competitive advantage. “While many larger companies
already recognise the value of such tie-ups, it is vital to make our growing, ambitious firms more aware of the opportunities on offer. This could ultimately help them to expand and boost jobs, and even create new industries through product innovation.” With less than 1% of the global
population and only 3.2% of world research and development funding, the UK nonetheless accounts for 6.4% of all articles in the world’s academic journals with 15.9% of the most highly cited articles. The UK clearly has an enviable reputation for its research base but all parties – business, universities, government – need to do more to build on this competitive advantage.
STEM boost for Alliance uni partners
Twelve Alliance universities will receive more than £48m funding for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching capital projects during 2015/16. Alliance universities will receive
almost a quarter of the £200m pot that will be shared by 73 universities and colleges to ensure the higher education sector can develop the facilities and infrastructure vital to meeting the increasing demand for STEM subjects. They include new provision in
ABOVE: Sam Jones, Head of Comms at University Alliance
chemistry and physics, which declined during the last decade. Many of the projects support new collaborations with industry and sharing of space between subjects to support innovative teaching and improve efficiency. Funding is awarded on a matched basis with industry. Sam Jones, Head of Comms at
University Alliance, (pictured) welcomed the announcement, adding: “Alliance universities are leaders in providing the best possible educational experience for students. We educate one in four of all undergraduates on STEM courses and half of our universities’ research income comes from STEM-related areas. “This funding for Alliance universities
will help ensure even more students can benefit from our state-of-the-art teaching and facilities, and get the high-tech, problem-solving skills that modern employers and our world-leading science and research base need.” Among those awarded were
Bournemouth University, the University of Lincoln, Liverpool John Moores University, Notingham Trent University, the University of Portsmouth and Sheffield Hallam University, who were all allocated £5m.
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