WIREDGOV

Universities Scotland have published a paper that outlines what universities are doing to help alleviate the impact of the recession.  The publication shows how, where possible, universities are making changes in the short term to meet the needs of businesses, learners, our graduates and wider society.

The university sector in Scotland has responded to the economic downturn by developing new solutions to old problems, engaging with a wide range of businesses and enabling them to access the knowledge and expertise within universities, looking at course provision to meet the needs of different types of learners, developing new services to meet the needs of different employers, helping our students and graduates to prepare for the new economic environment and supporting cultural and societal engagement.

The publication identifies six main areas in which universities are making a contribution to try and help industry counteract the negative impact of the economic slowdown. They are:

. Consultancy to small and medium enterprise
. Innovation and knowledge transfer
. Engaging with business - Interface
. Skills, training and workforce development
. Supporting the community
. Cultural and societal engagement

Examples of case studies are used throughout the paper to help illustrate the wide range of activity that is being developed.

The paper "Innovating our way out of recession" can be found on the Universities Scotland website here: http://www.universities-scotland.ac.uk/uploads/publications/Innovating%20our%20way%20out%20of%20recession.pdf