Partner Article

Universities “fantastic local economic resources” says Willetts

Universities are fantastic local economic resources and should be used as such by local business communities, according to the University & Sciences Minister.

David Willetts MP was invited by Teesside University and the North East Economic Forum to speak at the University’s new campus in Darlington, where he also opened the Executive Education Floor of the landmark undergraduate and postgraduate teaching facility.

At the event, Mr Willetts stressed the need for universities and businesses to work together to share resources, develop skills and create opportunities for both students and employers.

He said: “Universities and businesses need to be working together so universities are providing people with the skills employers need.

“They should also make their own research facilities available to employers, consider sponsoring internships in jobs, share research facilities - there’s alot that can be done.”

However, he expressed concern that many small and medium businesses were failing to engage with local higher education institutions, and encouraged them to realise that the idea of “remote academics who aren’t engaged with real problems”, was far from the truth.

“There’s still alot more that needs to be done and there are too many small and medium businesses that haven’t ever approached their local university or even set foot in their local university,” Mr Willetts added. “Increasingly the work which goes on in the chemistry lab or the engineering department can be put directly at the disposal of a local business.”

“I want small businesses to realise what a fantastic resource their local university is. It’s where there is a real concentration of expertise - people who understand engineering, IT and chemical processes - who they can turn to to help them out with who can help them out with a problem if they don’t have their own research labs in their own businesses.”

Professor Graham Henderson vice-chancellor of Teesside University believes that the University is a strong example of an institution which is keen to engage with business, and is keen to encourage other to do the same.

“I think that the Business, Innovation and Skills Department understand that the future of the economy depends on a strong partnership between universities and business, and increasingly there are more companies understanding that.

“It is also important to understand that universities are all very different; we are very applied and practical in what we do, we aren’t necessarily providing the latest medical innovations for example.

“However, we are part of various university networks around the UK who are continually reinforcing the importance of close business relationships, not just around skills but around the knowledge that we have which can help businesses to solve their problems.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .