As the UK considers plans to devolve powers over public expenditure to metros in order to maximise growth, it is crucial to consider other ways of securing best value from public investment.
The higher education sector is annually in receipt of upwards of £7bn in public funds from central government – there is potential to maximise this return by considering the impact of this investment on local economic growth.
Continuing economic restructuring will mean growing demand for knowledge-intensive work, often requiring graduate-level skills. Producing graduates on your doorstep, rather than seeking to attract them following graduation, is an opportunity for metros. The report outlines strategies for building strong networks through cross-fertilisation between people and institutions.
Key recommendations to be discussed at the launch include:
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Allocating funding for teaching and research based on revised criteria
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Enabling ‘golden handcuffs’ arrangements to encourage graduate retention
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Expanding flexible course provision to allow sandwich years for employment and enterprise
The launch will take the form of an interactive panel discussion with expert speakers including:
Neil Surman, Deputy Director Higher Education Division, Welsh Government
John Francis, Director of Business Development, University of South Wales
Dr Richard Thompson, Investment Executive, Finance Wales
Nigel Roberts, Chairman, Cardiff Business Council
Brhmie Balaram, Researcher, City Growth Commission
Charlotte Alldritt, Secretary, City Growth Commission
Jim O’Neill, Chair, City Growth Commission