NCUB responds to Witty Report

A clear and simple way for businesses to access higher education is crucial

The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) welcomes Sir Andrew Witty’s report examining the role of universities in supporting economic growth. Positioning economic growth as part of a university’s core mission, alongside teaching and research, and recommending a simple way for business to access our universities will help to advance collaboration and create prosperity. This is particularly important for small businesses, which may find the world of higher education difficult to navigate.

Commenting on the report, Dr David Docherty, Chief Executive of NCUB said:

“To make the most of the potential our world-class universities have to contribute to regional and national prosperity, we need to offer a clear and simple way for businesses to access higher education. This must include innovative and intelligent ‘brokering’ services, using online tools to pair up local businesses with the institutions and researchers that can support them.

“The recommendations in Sir Andrew’s report complement our existing work in developing a collaborative platform online, which joins up university research with the needs of business.”

–ENDS–

Editors’ notes

About the National Centre for Universities and Business

The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) develops, promotes and supports world-class collaboration between universities and business across the UK. Our aim is to find practical ways of harnessing the talent being developed in our universities, and the UK’s strength in ground-breaking research and development, for the benefit of the nation’s economy.

Drawing on the 25 years’ experience of our predecessor body, the Council for Industry and Higher Education (CIHE), NCUB is committed to a programme of research, policy development and practical partnerships. From facilitating collaborative R&D, to developing the entrepreneurial and employability skills of students at all stages of their education, NCUB is working to support UK business and higher education in a competitive global market.

NCUB’s Leadership Council includes many of the UK’s most successful businesses and universities.

Website – www.ncub.co.uk

Twitter – @NCUBtweets

NCUB Chief Executive, Dr David Docherty and Director of External Affairs, Aaron Porter are available for further comment or media appearances.

NCUB press phone – 07984 576890