Joint framework aims to secure future of universities for next generation

The Scottish Government has announced a joint process aimed at securing the future of Scotland’s universities.

Partnering with Universities Scotland, they will co-design a framework for a successful and sustainable future for higher education for the next 20 years.

The Framework For The Sustainability And Success Of Scotland’s Universities was announced by higher education minister Ben Macpherson on Thursday.

He said the Government is “resolute” in its commitment to free tuition in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government recognises the vital role that our universities play in Scotland’s economy and wider society, and that’s why this year alone we are investing over £1.1 billion in the sector,” the minister said.

“While we deeply value and celebrate other career pathways, universities continue to be an important and popular choice for learners, with the latest figures showing that the number of young Scots securing a place at university in Scotland this year has increased to a record high.

“This Scottish Government is committed to supporting our people to fulfil their potential and ambitions, which is why we are resolute in our commitment to state-funded undergraduate tuition in Scotland, for domiciled Scots – free for the recipient and based on their ability to learn, not their ability to pay.”

The framework will explore options for ensuring a sustainable future for Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions to 2045.

It will aim to address the extent of funding challenges facing the sector, and will focus on positioning institutions ahead of the curve of a raft of anticipated changes to the nation’s demographics, its workforce needs, emerging industries and digital advancements.

Multiple Scottish universities have faced financial issues over the past few years.

Dundee University is cutting 632 full-time jobs as it faces a £35 million deficit, while the University of Edinburgh is looking to make £140 million of cuts over the next year.

Aberdeen University has also cut staff through voluntary redundancy programmes, while the city’s Robert Gordon University has put 135 roles “at risk”.

The framework’s remit is to consider options within the publicly-funded model for undergraduate education for Scots.

Mr Macpherson said: “I hope this collaborative, cross-party, joint framework will help build upon the strength of the sector and ensure our universities are well positioned to respond to current and future challenges, including demographic shifts, international competition, technological advancements, and the changing needs of students and the economy. We must work together to succeed in the decades ahead.”

It will be the first review on how to secure the sustainability of Scotland’s universities since 2010/11.

The steering group will meet for the first time in January and will deliver its work in three phases, working through the period of the Holyrood election in May, and present a concluding report to the next Scottish government and Parliament next autumn.

Universities Scotland convener Professor James Miller said the work is “urgent”.

He said: “Scotland’s higher education sector is one of the nation’s greatest strategic assets. Our universities underpin Scotland’s economic prosperity, public services, research and innovation capacity, and global reputation.

“While the sector is facing profound and disruptive financial pressures, this moment also presents a vital opportunity: to work in genuine partnership with Government to shape a more resilient, sustainable and fully funded future for higher education in Scotland.

“This work is urgent. Looking ahead with clarity and ambition, the framework will help determine not only the future of Scotland’s universities, but also help shape the future of the country’s skilled workforce, its NHS, its economy and its full innovative potential.

“Funding will be a critical component, but equally important is a shared understanding of what Scotland will need from its universities 20 years from now, and how we collectively get there.”

A spokesperson from Colleges Scotland said: “Colleges Scotland welcomes the launch of the framework and will work closely with Universities Scotland to support its development over the coming year.

“Colleges are Scotland’s skills engines and act as strong community anchors across our country. Many of the sustainability issues facing universities also impact colleges.”