Further Higher? Tertiary Education and Growth in the UK's New Economy

This report, from the University and College Union, evaluates the costs and benefits of higher and further education. Focusing on industrial strategy and innovation, the report argues that universities and colleges have a central role to play in the development of enterprise. The UK’s future economic prosperity depends on identifying and cultivating sectors in which the UK is likely to develop a future competitive advantage, such as the low-carbon sector. An active industrial strategy is needed to support industry to identify and address skills and financing gaps specific to individual sectors, as well as infrastructure needs. Case studies demonstrate the importance of creating the conditions for innovation and skilled labour, which universities and colleges aim to provide.