Opportunity growth and partnership a blueprint for change
UK ‘Blueprint for Higher Education’ provides welcome commitment to the value of education
Study Group has welcomed a new in-depth report Opportunity, growth and partnership — A blueprint for change, in particular for its strong focus on global reach, reputation and impact.
The 143 page expert report compiled by Universities UK begins by noting that British universities are “one of the country’s immediately identifiable strengths”, critical to economic growth and with the potential “to create and share knowledge, stimulate creativity and offer lifelong opportunities for future generations.”
It is clear, however, that the strengths of the British higher education system are fully integrated with its welcome for scholars and students from across the world. A full 60% of UK research output involves international collaboration.
As contributing author and former Universities Minister Lord David Willetts comments:
“International collaboration and engagement are cornerstones of the success of UK universities. They help foster the capability, capacity and influence that give our sector a truly global reputation for excellence. Internationalisation in universities encompasses a wide range of activities and benefits, including collaborating in research, hosting international students, delivering programmes overseas through transnational education, and providing international experiences... Our universities are pivotal players in attracting global talent and foreign direct investment to the UK and play a critical role in supporting global development.”
To further build on this success, the report proposes a new global strategy for UK universities that delivers stable and sustainable levels of international student recruitment and well-managed growth. Other recommendations include:
- investment in the international student experience
- a commitment to retaining the Graduate Route
- a review of the removal of visas for dependants
- robust compliance and a commitment to fairness
- long-term, stable funding for internationally collaborative research and innovation
Responding to the report, Study Group Managing Director for the UK and Europe James Pitman said, “This is an important report on the challenges and opportunities ahead for UK higher education and I commend Universities UK for its research and on the thoughtful recommendations it makes. There is no doubt that this will be valuable to a new government keen to amplify the positive impact of British universities for its own citizens but also around the world. It must be an inflection point for the UK’s Higher Education.
“The section on the global reach of British universities is especially significant as the UK’s outstanding universities are powered by the global talent they attract, both to study and to carry out the research which creates prosperity and addresses challenges from green energy to the treatment of diseases. These are also part of the essential value of global education and not to be underestimated, nor indeed their contributions to local economies up and down the UK.
“It is to be hoped that the new, hopefully more ambitious, International Education Strategy and the welcome reappointment of Sir Steve Smith as the UK Global Education Champion will provide the context for a positive and sustainable approach — one which conveys welcome and builds deep bonds of educational cooperation. The British general public is well disposed to international students. Given the temporary nature of their stay in the UK, international students should not be caught up in immigration debates but appreciated and supported.”
The report is available here and also considers challenges of university research and innovation, expanding opportunity and ensuring financial sustainability.