Business of education strengthens industries

Feb 5 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

IF the last long year taught us anything it’s that necessity and invention remain inextricably linked. Sharp thinking and new working partnerships can mark the difference between stuttering along in business and riding out the storm stronger than before.

Since my appointment as dean in 2009, one of my key priorities is to work even more closely with regional businesses.

It means applying consistent focus, innovative ideas and an understanding of current needs to boost business opportunities.

This was brought again into sharp focus last week, when I attended an international forum that gave business school leaders a chance to reflect on the lessons of the banking crisis, the needs of business as we emerge from economic recession and how, as educators, we can play our role not only to contribute to the economic recovery in the short to medium term, but also to help shape business in the future.

Although the knowledge economy may have become a bit of a stock phrase, it sums up the way universities can and do transform companies. They are increasingly recognised as innovation hubs with a depth of knowledge and creativity that can help people in business stay competitive in the global economy.

Peter Mandelson recently called for businesses to be active partners with universities and not passive customers.

In the North East, our universities all seek to adopt that approach by developing innovative work-based programmes, creating bespoke courses to meet business needs and working with business to provide opportunities for undergraduate work experience.

It is rewarding to work with regional and national businesses from programme proposal through to graduation of first students.

Or to see the development of an individual given workplace opportunities that build confidence, skills and an outlook for longer term employment.

Better skilled people create better businesses. They also get more out of their work, command higher salaries and manage career progression more readily.

The cumulative effect of universities and businesses working together is a stronger, more robust regional economy, able to compete with other parts of the UK or Europe.

Universities do challenge the perceived needs of business and industry and stimulate new ways of thinking.

Although this may not make us popular in the short term, we listen, and then encourage decision-makers to look critically at their businesses and re-define the route to best meet their aspirations.

Together, we deliver results in the longer term.

As partners, business and universities can reshape and re-skill our companies ready for economic recovery. Our doors are open, let’s work together.

Viv Kinnaird is dean of the faculty of business and law, University of Sunderland