In response to the Autumn Statement (5 December 2012) Libby Hackett, Chief Executive of University Alliance, said:
As the screws tighten on public investment we need to make sure our universities are delivering against their own objectives to support the UK’s economic recovery and social prosperity. Under the right conditions, UK universities can help to drive growth industries, create new jobs and rebalance our economy. They are part of the solution, not the problem.
We call on Government and sector leaders to start thinking long-term about the role universities can play in transforming our economy and society. We need to ensure that universities are positioned and ready to deliver the knowledge, networks and communities of the future.
Reduced funding from Government is no excuse for limited ambition. Our world class sector can flourish, given a clear and ambitious long-term vision of universities. We remain committed to working with Government to direct their investment towards sustaining a healthy, diverse, world-class university sector that contributes to the UK’s economic recovery and so much more.
For more information please contact Andrew Henry at University Alliance, 07833 236629.