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New paper to set out the role of universities in addressing the government's priorities
Last updated on Tuesday 1 Oct 2024 at 4:35pm
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.
Dame Professor Sally Mapstone FRSE
President, Universities UK
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 Mandelson, former Cabinet minister, and Lord David Willetts, 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 Mandelson 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.
Lord Peter Mandelson
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.
Rain Newton-Smith
Chief Executive, Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
The blueprint is due to be published in Autumn this year, with a view to influencing the new government’s first spending review.
Full list of chapters and commissioners
Chapter 1: Impact of the UK’s higher education and research
Commissioner/s: Andy Haldane, CBE FAcSS FRS FRSA
Advisory group members:
- Professor Malcolm Press, CBE
- Professor Gill Wyness
- Professor Stephen Machin
- Jonathan Haskel, CBE
- Giles Wilkes
Chapter 2: Creating opportunity for learners in England and social mobility
Commissioner/s: Professor Nick Pearce, FAcSS HFRIBA
Advisory group members:
- Professor Jane Harrington
- Dr Omar Khan
- Professor Lee Elliot Major, OBE FAcSS
- Professor Matt Dickson
Chapter 3: Tertiary education in England
Commissioner/s:
- Professor Dave Phoenix, FREng
- Dame Ann Limb, DBE DL
Advisory group members:
- Dr Joe Marshall
- Fiona Aldridge
- Jane Baker
- Professor Lisa Roberts, FRSB FRSA
- Professor Tim Blackman
- Professor Vicki Nairn
Chapter 4: Generating economic growth for employers and local communities across the UK
Commissioner/s: Rain Newton-Smith
Advisory group members:
- Professor Dame Karen Holford, DBE FREng FIMechE FLSW FWES
- Professor Trevor McMillan, OBE
- Professor Andy Westwood
- Dr Peter O’Brien
- Flora Hamilton
- Katherine Bennett, CBE FRAeS
Chapter 5: Making groundbreaking discoveries and powering an innovative UK economy
Commissioner/s: The Rt Hon. the Lord Mandelson, PC
Advisory group members:
- Professor Julia Buckingham CBE FMedSci
- Sir Martin Donnelly, KCB CMG
- Professor Luke Georghiou
- Steve Bates, OBE, FMedSci
- Professor Paul Boyle, CBE
Chapter 6: The UK's international competitiveness
Commissioner/s: The Rt Hon. the Lord Willetts, FRS
Chapter 7: Implications for the future shape of the higher education sector in England – funding and business models
Commissioner/s:
- Professor Shitij Kapur
- John Rushforth
Advisory group members:
- The Rt Hon. James Purnell
- Professor Jenny Higham
- Paul Kett
- Dassos Alexandrou
- Lee Sanders
- Professor Frances Corner, OBE
- Professor Sir Chris Husbands
Chapter 8: Implications for regulation of the sector in England
Commissioner/s: Professor Julia Black, PBA CBE
Advisory group members:
- Professor Anthony McClaran
- Professor Debra Humphris, CBE
- Martin Williams
- Dr Matthew Gill
- Professor Jenny Higham