Why do universities
matter?
The role universities and research parks and institutes have to play is important.
By working with local businesses and government agencies, they can help their
region stay ahead on an international basis. SEEDA have an office in Boston,
USA, to help promote the south east as a great area to invest and set up in,
given its strong transport links with Europe and the US, and its expertise and
knowledge. Universities are important in building bridges between businesses,
science and government and bringing together all the expertise in an area to
boost wealth in the nation and region, and quality of life.
|
FACT
According to the Research Assessment Exercise (2001), 45 academic departments
in the south east were rated as world class in academic research in
2001 |
Research,
development and skills development
are all key to remaining competitive and staying ahead.
SEEDA recognises in its Regional Economic Strategy that universities are vital
sources of know-how, as are the research centres in the region. Harness their
strengths to organisations, and wealth creation will result. In the Regional
Economic Strategy for the South East (2002-2012), one of the key actions listed
is to enhance the regional role of universities. In particular, the document
identifies a number of specific ways in which universities can play a greater
role:
- In skills development
- The transfer of knowledge
- Expanding the number of graduates working within smaller companies.
Is
your boss aware of what’s
going on in the ivory tower
down the road?
Check out What
can a university do for your
company for greater insight into
how your organisation can work
closely with your local higher
education institution
|
Example.
South East Business reports (September 2004) that the University of
Greenwich at Medway is a partner in the Thames Gateway Knowledge Exchange.
The Exchange has just received another £1million of innovation
funding. (It’s part of a national network of 22 new centres of
best practice in skills development, training, and in linking businesses
to university expertise.) The successful bids will enable the university
to support a number of businesses, particularly those working in areas
such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, pharmacy and environment
technologies, ICT and new media technologies. |
Why should this matter to you
personally?
Universities and colleges of further and higher education all have a role to
play in boosting your skills base and innovative thought processes.
If you live and work in the SEEDA area, (Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Surrey,
Kent, Sussex, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire), why not see what your local
universities have to offer throughout the region? Don't limit yourself to your
local!
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US
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