At this important milestone in the university sector it’s useful to record some reflections on material changes that have changed the world of the university/business interface and on the key challenges that lie ahead. Two decades ago universities were arguably at the fringe of educational policy; a comfortable place of academic autonomy and freedom. But the world has changed. Now, in the globally competitive 21st century, universities are at the very heart of economic and social policy in any advanced knowledge-based economy.
Intellectual power and high level skills are non-negotiable in a prosperous modern society and universities are the primary agents in delivering these agendas. Indeed a thriving knowledge economy depends upon its universities in three critical dimensions; the application and exploitation of research capability, the enterprise and entrepreneurial culture that is developed amongst its students, and the applicability of the knowledge and skills of graduates and in contributing to economic prosperity. Complete speech at PraxisUnico