In his speech today, at the Higher Education Debate Conference – One Year On, John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, said, "Over a 10-15 year period we as a society will need to find ways of increasing the real levels of investment in higher education. Your [higher education’s] long-term plans should be based on investment and growth because that is what the country will need.

The HE Debate - One Year On Conference

In his speech today, at the Higher Education Debate Conference – One Year On, John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, said, "Over a 10-15 year period we as a society will need to find ways of increasing the real levels of investment in higher education. Your [higher education’s] long-term plans should be based on investment and growth because that is what the country will need.

"But don't take it for granted. If we want to persuade our society to invest in higher education, (whether through taxes, donations, fees, or business investment), then together, we will need to make a compelling argument that extra investment was well spent in the past and will be in the future."

'JISC is working in partnership with higher education institutions to provide the technical infrastructure, learning environments and resources to enable UK higher education to enhance its competitiveness internationally and promote innovation'In response to looking at how higher education can meet this challenge Dr Malcolm Read, executive secretary of JISC said, “There is a need for continued discussion on all the issues surrounding teaching, learning, postgraduate research and study, research excellence and the need for better partnership working between institutions, and we warmly welcome the comments made by the Secretary of State today.

“We look forward to taking part in the debate and championing the benefits technology can bring to learners and researchers alike.

“Technology is giving learners and academics the opportunity to support their areas of work and study – no matter wherever, however and whenever they want to access electronic information.

“JISC is working in partnership with higher education institutions to provide the technical infrastructure, learning environments and resources to enable UK higher education to enhance its competitiveness internationally and promote innovation.” he added.

The Higher Education debate, launched in February 2008, aims to develop a framework to ensure the world class status of the UK’s higher education sector is maintained.

WebsiteFurther information about John Denham's speech
WebsiteSubmission from Sir Ron Cooke, former Chair of JISC, to the HE Debate covering On-line Innovation in Higher Education

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