Unlocking opportunity critical to realising ambitions in the new Industrial Strategy

The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) welcomes the ambition and intent set out in the new Industrial Strategy. In backing eight high-growth sectors, addressing barriers and blockers to business and universities – the Government has set out an important framework for forging new collaborative partnerships.

The operating environment has changed since the last Industrial Strategy was published in 2017. Global threats have increased and technology advances are reshaping business practices and the place of our world leading universities cannot be taken for granted. The Industrial Strategy recognises and responds to these changes and importantly set outs how these can in fact be opportunities for the UK economy.

Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of NCUB said:

Weaved throughout the new Industrial Strategy is an important commitment to partnership. Partnerships that draw on and strengthen our economy. From our currently world-leading universities through to frontier businesses of tomorrow – it will be collaboration that unlocks and shifts the dial in terms of economic growth.

“The Industrial Strategy rightly highlights the importance of key enablers in the system – from R&D Tax Credits, to support given to universities to nurture collaborative partnerships with industry. From marine technology in Plymouth, to cyber security in Belfast – the Industrial Strategy reinforces the importance of collaboration between universities and businesses across the UK.

“The Government has committed to driving sectoral transformation in eight high-growth sectors. This will in large part be supported by a sector not included in this list. Our higher education sector. The Industrial Strategy rightly highlights universities as engines for innovation and skills but defers details as to how to safeguard a sustainable future for the sector to the Post-16 Education and Skills Whitepaper. It is critical that funding and support to universities is put onto a financially robust and sustainable footing as soon as possible”.