by Conor Ryan
John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, spoke positively of the role higher education played in supporting ‘industrial activism’ in different parts of the country, when he addressed delegates as the G20 summit was also concluding in London.
“It means a new thrust in government policy,” he told delegates at HEFCE’s conference. “Not a return to picking winners, but of consciously organising ourselves for success in the areas of our greatest strength. And this means being coherent across public policy. From what Government buys, and whether it encourages innovative solutions and new companies, to where we invest in fundamental research. From how and what we regulate, to the finance for start-ups.”
Denham recalled his visit last week to four different regions to explore some of these areas of potential strength; research into ageing and vitality in the North East; nuclear power and materials chemistry in the North West; advanced manufacturing in the West Midlands; and creative industries in London.
“Universities were at the heart of every discussion, intimately involved in developing our current strengths and potential in each of these areas,” he said. But the universities secretary said that the sector faced similar challenges to other aspects of the public sector in the recession.
“Many parts of public policy will need to change to make the most of our national strengths and potential, and higher education will also need to respond, ” he added.
“They will affect both teaching and research. Not only whether we produce sufficient graduates, and graduates with the right level of education and employability but, crucially, whether we can ensure we have the right people in the right place at the right time to make the most of our potential.”
Mr Denham identified areas where the pressure for change would be greatest – many of which reflected the debates at the conference. They were: general graduate employability; expectations of vocational subjects and professionally accredited degrees (of which more would be said in next week’s Higher Education Skills Strategy, he said); more non-traditional degree delivery; greater competitive strength in postgraduate provision; more science, technology, engineering and mathematics students; and better prioritisation of research budgets.
Resp0nding to a question from Professor Elaine Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of the University for the Creative Arts, Mr Denham provided reassurance that creative industries were seen as important by Government, despite special strategies to promote science.
Mr Denham delivered an important message to delegates after a busy couple of days considering the impact of the recession on the sector. It offered a reminder of government priorities and set the scene for discussions on funding.
