Sir Andrew Witty delivers NCUB Annual Lecture

Sir Andrew Witty delivers NCUB Annual Lecture on ‘Encouraging a British Invention Revolution’

The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) heard from GlakoSmithKline CEO, Sir Andrew Witty as he delivered their annual lecture this evening.

Sir Andrew, who is also Chancellor of the University of Nottingham and the lead non-executive director on the board of the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) spoke about the findings from his recent report examining universities and growth.

His lecture which set out what he had learnt from overseeing the review, and the recommendations for change he has put forward which are now being considered by the department.

Sir Andrew said: “Universities already play a very important part in the UK’s economy. But they could do much more to turn ideas in to job creating businesses if, as a nation, we coordinate their work more effectively. As my report says, this will take a renewed effort from Government, universities, industry and organisations such as NCUB to come together and work collaboratively to progress the leading edge technologies we have in this country.”   

Commenting on the lecture, Dr David Docherty (CEO, NCUB) commented:

“We are delighted to have hosted Sir Andrew and to hear his thoughts on ‘encouraging a British Invention revolution.’ His recent recent review is an incredibly helpful contribution to better ensure the UK can remain internationally competitive, allow universities to make a local, national and international contribution and further promote effective collaboration between universities and business.”

Sir Andrew is delivering the fourth annual NCUB lecture following Sir Martin Sorrell (CEO, WPP) in 2012, the Rt Hon Danny Alexander MP (Chief Secretary to the Treasury) in 2011 and Sir Richard Lambert in 2010.

–ENDS–

Editors’ notes

National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB)

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.