June 18, 2010
More calls from business chiefs to protect universities
As Universities Week draws to a close business leaders have again highlighted the “vital contribution” that universities make to the economy.
In a letter to the Telegraph senior executives from companies including CIHE members Shell and Centrica, have said the Government “must ensure it supports innovation” and that the university sector, which generates £59 billion annually, “can spur the economy on further”.
The letter went on to say:
“Businesses look to the UK’s excellent universities for graduate talent, research and innovation. Business helps fund higher education, which in turn makes the UK a good place to invest.
“We need a credible plan for restoring fiscal balance but urge the government to be cautious over those elements of public spending that are vital to the future growth and prosperity of our economy – science, innovation and knowledge.”
Referring to the protection attached to spending on these subjects in America and other global competitors, they added: “We cannot afford to be left behind in international league tables.”
More information can be read in the Telegraph article ‘Protect universities, urge business chiefs’.
