Universities are a key part of Scotland’s growth plan for turbulent times
Prosper, Scotland’s membership organisation for all sectors and all industries, has today (25 June) published a new policy blueprint focused on unlocking growth in turbulent times. Framed within three national priorities of achieving a stronger economy, a Scotland where we get things done and a Scotland where we make best use of our energy, are a number of policy recommendations focused on the key role of universities. Amongst the main recommendations In Scotland’s Blueprint: The Art of the Possible, there are calls to:
- Set up a full, independently-led review of university funding which will identify a new way and safeguard world-class learning and innovation.
- Commit to 10-year funding for research & development and support innovation in Scottish companies and clusters by providing targeted finance, investing in facilities and making public services the first customers for useful new products and services.
Prosper points to the extent of geopolitical turmoil in addition to domestic challenges, including demographic change, an ageing population with increased health and care needs. It urges Scotland and the UK’s policy-makers and thought-leaders to “put our own house in order” and to control what we can. To that end, Prosper encourages action to prioritise economic growth: “because a stronger economy is better able to offer opportunities, increase prosperity and leave fewer people behind, fund public services for people, and withstand shocks in a time when the chances of them are higher. The reverse is true for a weaker economy, which threatens jobs, living standards and services. The nightmare future would be a doom loop in which poor services are propped up with less money and we can’t afford to invest in improving them or growing the economy.”
Launching the report, Sara Thiam, Chief Executive, Prosper, said:
“At Prosper we believe that Scotland stands at a pivotal moment. In this era of uncertainties, we need to prioritise what most matters – creating an environment in which people, organisations and places can thrive and building strong Scottish industries. Scotland has the skills, expertise and natural resources to compete and prosper. What we need from our Governments now, and beyond the election, is a commitment to joint working and laser-like focus on our proposals to secure growth and prosperity.”
Claire McPherson, Director, Universities Scotland, added:
“Universities are integrally connected to so many parts of what matters most in Scotland, whether that’s jobs and prosperity in our cities, ensuring we have an NHS that is fit for the future and delivering in all parts of the country or the ability to meet the nation’s climate ambitions. You’ll find universities driving the skills development, research and innovation that sits behind all of those broader goals. To protect and build on this into the future, Scotland needs to put universities on a secure, sustainable and internationally competitive financial footing. We need a cross-party consensus behind this going into the next election.”
Commenting on the Blueprint, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal of the University of Glasgow said:
“As an economist, I support Prosper’s Blueprint for Scotland’s economy. In the run-up to the 2026 Scottish elections, it is crucial that the Scottish Government and all the political parties in the Parliament can formulate credible plans to drive economic growth in Scotland.
“Scotland’s economy is at an inflexion point: if we want to fund public services over the next parliamentary term, we need an innovative and dynamic economy. That will not happen unless our universities are properly funded to provide the skills and research base on which that economic growth will be founded.
“No modern economy can prosper without a successful university sector. Prosper’s recommendations to mainstream innovation in Scotland’s companies and innovation ecosystem, and for a full review of university funding are essential for a credible growth strategy.”
ENDS
About Prosper: Prosper (Scottish Council for Development and Industry) is a unique membership organisation, with a proud history of bringing people together from government, business and civil society to effect change. With over 500 members from across Scottish society – businesses large and small, local authorities, colleges and universities and the social economy – our shared ambition is to support economic growth and prosperity for all of Scotland