International collaboration and engagement are vital to the success of UK universities.
Chapter summary
International collaboration is vital to UK universities’ success, fostering the capability, capacity and influence that gives the sector a truly global reputation. Internationalisation in universities encompasses a wide range of activities and benefits, includingcollaboration in research; hosting international students and delivering programmes overseas through transnational education.
This chapter argues for a more holistic approach, through the creation of a new global strategy for universities, underpinned by a new compact (an agreement) between the sector and government to ensure stable and sustainable growth in international student numbers.
Our recommendations
The government shoulddevelop a Global Strategy for universities. The objective should be to harness the global reach, reputation and impact of universities to create opportunity, foster prosperity and develop knowledge – both for the UK and our international partners.
Universities and government should develop a new compact (an agreement) whereby each takes action to secure sustainable levels of international student recruitment and well managed growth.
The government should review and benchmark immigration costs for academics, entrepreneurs and technical staff to ensure that the UK attracts talented people.
The government shouldcommit to the Turing Scheme for the lifetime of this Parliament and introduce two or three year funding allocations; alongside this it should consider the case for association to the next Erasmus scheme.
The government shouldengage positively with the development of the next European Framework Programme for Research and seek early agreement on the UK’s early association.
The government shouldcreate a substantial research security fund and further invest in the Research Collaboration Advisory Team to support universities’ capacity and capability to manage international risk.
Our universities have a global reputation for excellence, and their international activities bring huge benefits to the UK. They are engines of soft power and make a huge economic contribution through the substantial revenues they bring into the UK. Overseas students boost the resources available to universities and broaden the educational experience of British students and are a great national and global asset.
However, we can do more to maximise the contribution that the global reach, reputation, and influence of our universities can make to the UK. Now is the time to build on our success – and place universities at the heart of a new strategy that delivers global impact and drives national prosperity.
