Partner Article

Uni supports business in the economic downturn

Universities can do more to ensure that higher education helps businesses, according to Northumbria University’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Andrew Wathey.

Professor Wathey’s comments come in the week when delegates from UK universities met the Prime Minister to discuss the important role universities have to play in boosting the UK economy.

Professor Wathey drew attention to the historic supporting role that universities have played in periods of economic difficulty by interacting with their local business communities.

He said: “Over the past two decades, the North East economy has seen a huge change, with the demise of the traditional heavy industries giving way to a knowledge-based economy. Universities were key to that phase of repositioning and regeneration, and can now play a pivotal role in supporting business nationally through the current economic downturn.”

Professor Wathey believes that a partnership approach is the most effective way to help business navigate the harsh economic climate.

“There is a wealth of expertise in universities and knowledge exchange between business and universities is now more important than ever in supporting the UK economy and in ensuring that the supply of the right skills does not falter.

“Universities are especially important for SMEs, helping them weather the current economic climate, and in meeting changing skills needs quickly, so industry can maintain its momentum and develop new products and services. We will be looking more closely at the things we can do to help.”

“As a major player in the North East we already have a real impact on the regional economy, but, by working more closely with businesses, listening to their needs and offering real solutions to their problems, we can help further boost North East business and help support it through turbulent economic times.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .