Higher education
Higher education institutions (HEIs) are independent and autonomous organisations, which can be significant contributors to the economic development of their local area. The Government is encouraging HEIs and business to work more closely together to support economic growth. The Government's Plan for Growth (PDF), published March 2011, set out some ways in which this is happening; the Higher Education White Paper (PDF, 711 Kb) , published June 2011, also describes joint working between employers and HEIs.
LEPs and HEIs may wish to work together to:
- influence the strategic direction of economic development in the locality – this could be through HEI representation on LEP Boards;
- support the conditions for growth in their communities – through understanding how effective investment in skills, research, knowledge exchange and innovation can benefit the economy; and
- help to ensure that HEIs are able to respond to local skills needs.
LEPs should contact HEIs in their areas to develop their plans.
