Universities UK has published today a range of reports looking at the consequences of the recession, and subsequent cuts in public funding, for the higher education (HE) sector.

The reports are published on the opening day of Universities UK's annual members' conference, taking place this year at Cranfield University (7-9 September).

The three reports - Adapting Business Models in a Changing Environment; Changes in Student Choice and Graduate Employment; and The Global Picture - are accompanied by a commentary report by Professor Geoffrey Crossick, the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of London. The commentary, part of a project sponsored by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), reflects on the long-term pressures now facing universities.

Points in the commentary report include:

• UK Universities are already being seriously affected by the impact of both economic recession and the crisis in public finances
• Globally, the UK risks being overtaken as a number of our competitor countries are increasing investment in universities and research, rather than making cuts.
• The number of higher education students worldwide will continue to grow at a remarkable rate and the global market for international students will become even more competitive.
• UK Universities' diversification away from public funding has been going on for some time, and it will have to speed up in light of current pressures. However, sustained public investment is critical to lever in money from other sources.
• Growth in the number of private providers of higher education in the UK will present both challenges and opportunities

Professor Geoffrey Crossick said: “Universities have come far in this period of improved and more stable funding. If we wish the UK to remain a world leader in the quality of its university education, then the problematic baseline that already existed must be recognised when targeting expenditure cuts.

“Some of our most important current and future competitor economies have been increasing investment in higher education and research during the recession. We’re encountering different responses to economic recession, but we’re also seeing a commitment to investment in the very areas that have already been seriously cut in the UK and which are threatened with even more severe reductions in public spending. And these are areas that have been of critical importance to the economy.”

Sir Alan Langlands, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, said: “As we await the outcome of the Browne review and the Government's spending review we must take steps to ensure that the process of change is managed with care and professionalism. We must not compromise on the quality of learning and teaching and the student experience, the excellence and international competitiveness of research, or the ability of universities and colleges to contribute to economic recovery and a just society. The wellbeing of students should be paramount as we face the difficult choices and decisions ahead.”

All three reports are available on Universities UK's website. 

Notes

1. The future is more than just tomorrow: Higher education, the economy and the longer term is available to download and is published as part of the second strand of Universities UK’s From Recession to Recovery project, supported by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), which examines the consequences of the recession, and subsequent cuts in public funding, for the higher education sector.
2. From Recession to Recovery: part one was published in July 2009. The report demonstrates how universities have responded to the pressures created by the recession providing extra help for this year’s graduates, making it easier for companies to access university expertise, and providing support for industries which are in difficulty, helping them innovate to survive.
3. Universities UK’s members’ annual conference will take place at Cranfield University from 7 - 9 September 2010. Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts will address members on the morning of Thursday 9 September following the keynote speech from Universities UK President Professor Steve Smith. The Universities UK press office can be contacted at the conference in Cranfield University on 07766 997091 or email pressunit@universitiesuk.ac.uk 
4. Universities UK (UUK) is the representative organisation for the UK’s universities. Founded in 1918, its mission is to be the definitive voice for all universities in the UK, providing high quality leadership and support to its members to promote a successful and diverse higher education sector. With 133 members and offices in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh, it promotes the strength and success of UK universities nationally and internationally. Visit: www.universitiesuk.ac.uk