UK research and higher education must form a central
consideration of any post-Brexit trade deals, according to new
research published today. This is one of the findings from two
new research reports that Universities UK has released today to
coincide with a major national conference on the
future for the UK economy after Brexit, organised by Prosperity
UK. This event brings together leading policy makers,
politicians, academics and businesspeople. Both reports look at
post-Brexit opportunities and challenges and include new research
and analysis.
International research collaboration after the UK leaves
the European Union, a report produced by Digital
Science for Universities UK, identifies opportunities
for the UK through collaborative research partnerships with
current, alternative and emerging research systems around the
world. The report concludes that more could be done to facilitate
international research collaboration, and this requires more than
just funding. Better information on capabilities and research
strengths of UK-based researchers, research organisations and
potential collaborators is needed, the importance of cultural
barriers to international research collaborations need to be
better understood, and the importance of policy and funding
stability in nurturing effective research partnerships must be
recognised.
A report on Free Trade Agreements and opportunities
for UK Higher Education produced by
the UK Trade Policy
Observatory at the University of Sussex for Universities
UK, looks at how the UK government could consider opportunities
for UK higher education through future free trade agreements
(FTAs). As the UK prepares to negotiate a series of new
free trade agreements with countries around the world following
exit from the EU, the report highlights the critical need for
higher education and research to figure prominently as a
consideration ahead of these discussions. Higher education and
research should be considered as a high priority as part of any
new international agreement which the UK government may consider
post-Brexit. This engagement is critical not only to unlock
opportunities, but to identify and address any potential
concerns. Careful monitoring will be required to ensure that
agreements do not close off opportunities, expose UK universities
to unnecessary risk, or compromise the world-leading reputation
of UK higher education.
Alistair Jarvis, Deputy Chief Executive of Universities
UK, said:
“British universities have a vital contribution to make to a
successful, dynamic and internationally competitive post-exit
United Kingdom. Universities play a central role in driving
inclusive economic growth locally, regionally and nationally;
improving productivity as part of a new industrial strategy; and
strengthening our international trade and diplomatic
relationships across Europe and the wider world.”
“This new research highlights opportunities and challenges for UK
higher education through future free trade agreements and the
need for Government support to facilitate international research
collaboration. The positive contribution of UK higher education
to the UK economy and society will be greatest if British
universities are magnets for international talent, are welcoming
to international students and are leaders in international
research collaboration. Universities need Government to develop
the right, evidence-based policies to enable universities to
maximise their impact.”
