Study Group Director for External Affairs Ruth Arnold shares her reflections on how the UK higher education sector should approach communications and engagement with a new government. She also notes the vital contribution of international education to a shared mission of economic and social renewal: “Take the government’s stated top priority — economic growth. This is an area where universities not only have a powerful story to tell but a contribution to make. And if we put forward how we can be part of the future the country needs, the government will be listening. And we shouldn’t forget that UK higher education is not just a recipient of public funds but a growth sector and driver of economic impact in its own right. On this we are not supplicants but generators of national income and economic opportunity. International students bring £42 billion annually into the UK economy and cross subsidise the research, education and skills the government needs if it is to stand a chance of addressing our multiple challenges… When you ask the Department for Business and Trade about exports, higher education is clearly one area where the British offer has the attention of the world. We need to do all it takes through national and local cooperation to support this, address genuine challenges and ensure our global position is maintained.”
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