…ucive environment for innovation and lead to a competitive place that can attract and retain resources and high value added, innovation-driven organisations. “This work is rarely talked about in the press, but it is having an important and lasting impact on the economy and wider society.” It also demonstrates the increasing recognition of the two-way knowledge flows, with users having an important role to play in helping to shape and influence the…
…ure to remain globally competitive. The sector has had many government-led reviews ‘done’ to it. This initiative is being led from within the sector and will focus on solutions and outcomes, identifying how the sector can drive its own policy agenda; serve society and the economy; and seek out new and innovative ways to anticipate, approach and tackle the challenges of the future. “Our global competitors are continuing to invest heavily in expandi…
…. However, it is not clear that the proposal for 2016 provides the best solution to the underlying issues highlighted in the Admissions Process Review (APR). Download the University Alliance response here….
…areas of research and knowledge transfer strength. Following an extensive review of its research base, external business markets and funding opportunities the university has developed its strategy to focus on 10 Research and Knowledge Transfer Centres including: Micro and Nano Technologies, Advanced Materials Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Sustainable Living, Skin Sciences, Visual Computing, Automotive Engineering and Medical Infection….
…arly release of indicative figures for the remaining years of the spending review period. It is essential that we identify the correct balance of contribution between the individual and the state in the forthcoming White Paper on Higher Education. This underlying principle will have significant consequences for the future of our world-class public higher education system and must not be submerged by the immediate crisis in the public finances.” /…
In response to today’s Spending Review announcements, Libby Aston, Director of University Alliance said: “These proposals to replace direct public funding with graduate contribution constitute a radical shift to an almost entirely market-based system and could bring about irreversible change to the fundamental nature of our universities. We will work closely with the Government to make sure we don’t sleepwalk into a system that is more privatised…
…r tuition fees, currently capped at £3,290 a year. Middle-income graduates would pay their fees back plus interest. The graduate contribution system is being considered in a review led by Lord Browne, a former chief executive of BP. His report is to published in October. Read the full article. …
…Lord Browne’s independent review of student funding seemed to have been pre-empted last week by ministers. Could he still spring a surprise? The Guardian offers a rundown of the options (allegedly) on the table. Read the full article….
…ive use of public funds by universities will recommend that the government reviews its position on VAT for shared services. Libby Aston, Director of University Alliance, said: “By implementing a more flexible framework to VAT, universities would be better able to out-source suitable services alongside other public bodies, reducing costs and making more effective use of limited public money. At a time when the sector is experiencing financial press…
As part of our work for Lord Browne’s independent review of student fees, University Alliance found that misunderstanding and myths about university fees are causing more of a barrier to entry than the system itself. UCAS application data shows that the introduction of £3,000 fees along with fee-loans and grants did not have a negative impact on participation or access to higher education in England. Not only has demand continued to increase sinc…
