|
AS TRADITIONAL MANUFACTURING industries decline and industry shifts towards hi-tech and knowledge-based enterprises, higher education institutions and public sector research establishments (PSREs) will become an ever more powerful regenerative force in towns and cities throughout the UK.
As large-scale, commercial organisations in their own right, they have always had an impact on the local economy. Students and employees arrive from all over the world, spending much of their money locally. Equally, much of the research investment attracted is spent in the region on equipment and other contracts.
Their future impact lies as much, if not more, in their role as centres of excellence in teaching and research. In a knowledge-based economy, the local pool of knowledge that universities, HE colleges and PSREs can provide represents a huge potential asset.
Realisation of this potential requires an effective network. In recent years, local industry, public bodies and the institutions themselves have grasped this and initiated a structure of links and partnerships that is growing all the time.
In 1999 the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) established the Higher Education Reach-out to Business and the Community Fund (HEROBC), making grants available to HE institutions for improving and expanding their partnerships with business. Over £80 million has already been allocated. As more funds are made available and the number of initiatives increase, it will become ever easier for firms to become closely involved with the higher education sector.
It has never been more necessary or more straightforward for businesses to find out exactly what higher education can do for them. It provides excellent opportunities in the following areas:
Continuous improvement of human resources and upgraded skills
HE institutions provide the local area with a stream of highly trained graduates, but this is only a small part of their teaching and training function. They can also up-skill a firm’s existing workforce, which is essential if your firm is to compete effectively in the workplace. In addition, they provide skilled students to invigorate a company through mutually beneficial work experience and placement schemes.
Transfer of knowledge to business and industrial research
Universities and PSREs house the country’s top researchers and have extensive equipment and facilities. These resources can be effectively used by local industry, whether on a contract basis or in collaborative partnership. Many universities, as well as the UK research councils, now offer consultancy services across a whole range of fields, from hard science to management strategy. There are many ways to form collaborative links, from a LINK partnership to residency in a science park.
Services for businesses
Universities and HE colleges have a huge range of technical and other facilities, and the skilled staff to use them. Local companies can make use of these in a cost-effective manner. Services range from clinical trials and product testing to media services and conferencing. This site includes a search facility to find the services you need in your local area.
|
