Universities and Scotland

Scottish Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 5 Aug 2020 Closed: 22 Apr 2022 Parliament page
The future funding of Scotland’s universities and fees for overseas and non-EU students will be the subject of this inquiry. The Committee will also use this inquiry as an opportunity to examine the impact policies made in Whitehall will have on Scottish Universities, their students, their employees and on research. … Read more
29 Recommendations
122 Conclusions
1 Report
7 Oral sessions
4 Letters
11 Events
Activity timeline 17 events
16 May
2022
Correspondence
27 Apr
2022
Report published
27 Apr
2022
Correspondence
7 Mar
2022
Correspondence
2 Mar
2022
Correspondence
28 May
2021
Report published
28 May
2021
Informal meeting · Virtual meeting
19 May
2021
Formal meeting (private meeting) · Virtual meeting
25 Feb
2021
Oral evidence
2 Feb
2021
Outreach event · Virtual Meeting
28 Jan
2021
Oral evidence
13 Jan
2021
Outreach event · Virtual meeting
Oral evidence sessions 7 sessions
25 Feb 2021
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Iain Stewart MP · Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland Rebecca Hackett · Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland
28 Jan 2021
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Lauren McNamara · Student Awards Agency Scotland Richard Lochhead MSP · Scottish Government Roddy Macdonald · Scottish Government
9 Dec 2020
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Professor Nigel Seaton · Abertay University Professor Tim Bedford · University of Strathclyde Rachel Sandison · University of Glasgow
25 Nov 2020
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Professor Chris Pearce · University of Glasgow Professor Katherine Smith · University of Strathclyde Professor Rebecca Lunn MBE · University of Strathclyde
11 Nov 2020
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Dr Stuart Fancey · Scottish Funding Council Karen Watt · Scottish Funding Council
21 Oct 2020
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Mary Senior · University and College Union Scotland Matt Crilly · NUS Scotland
8 Oct 2020
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Alastair Sim · Universities Scotland Dr Vicky Johnson · University of the Highlands and Islands Professor James Conroy · University of Glasgow
Title HC No. Published Items Response
First Report - Universities and Scotland HC 54 28 May 2021 151 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
48 results
Clear
1 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Although higher education is a devolved competence, reserved UK Government policies—such as foreign affairs, immigration...
Although higher education is a devolved competence, reserved UK Government policies—such as foreign affairs, immigration and research and development— have significant consequences for UK and Scottish universities. We recommend that the UK Government continues to work with the Scottish Government … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of working with devolved administrations on higher education and states that ongoing engagement at ministerial and official levels will continue to exchange information and policy developments.
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2 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
In mid-2020 insolvency was a very real prospect facing a number of universities in Scotland.
In mid-2020 insolvency was a very real prospect facing a number of universities in Scotland. Both the UK and Scottish Governments should be congratulated on their efforts and significant financial investments into Scottish universities in response to the pandemic. It … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the committee's congratulations, highlighting its ongoing engagement with the Scottish Government and support for Scottish universities, and referencing the International Education Strategy's goal of diversified student recruitment.
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15 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Higher public sector spending on higher education in Scotland compared to the rest of the...
Higher public sector spending on higher education in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK is predominately a consequence of the Scottish Government policy of free tuition for Scottish students (and until recently EU students). Scotland is the only … Read more
Government Response
The government notes that higher education in Scotland is largely a devolved responsibility and details its ongoing engagement with the Scottish Government. It also highlights its International Education Strategy and the Graduate Route as measures to help universities diversify their student recruitment and funding.
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20 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Audit Scotland’s 2019 report found that tuition fees were the single largest source of university...
Audit Scotland’s 2019 report found that tuition fees were the single largest source of university income in 2017–18.32 This has remained the case in subsequent years.33 The chart below, which relates to 2017–18 (from Audit Scotland’s 2019 report), shows that … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged that higher education in Scotland is a devolved responsibility and recognised the benefits of international students. It highlighted the International Education Strategy and Graduate Route for attracting students and advised universities to diversify recruitment to manage dependence on a single source of funding.
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21 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Scottish Funding Council (SFC) grants made up the second highest income source in 2017–18.
Scottish Funding Council (SFC) grants made up the second highest income source in 2017–18. This has also remained the case in subsequent years.35 Karen Watt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, told us that although Scottish Funding Council funding … Read more
Government Response
The government states that higher education in Scotland is largely devolved and highlights its ongoing engagement with the Scottish Government, as well as its International Education Strategy which aims to help universities diversify student recruitment and funding sources.
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24 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Just as there are large disparities in the importance of different incomes streams to Scottish...
Just as there are large disparities in the importance of different incomes streams to Scottish universities, the same disparities exist—and have existed for a long time—in the financial health of institutions. Audit Scotland noted pre-pandemic that: While the sector overall … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's findings on the varied financial health of Scottish universities, reiterating that higher education is primarily a devolved matter. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and the UK government's efforts to support the sector and the Scottish economy.
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25 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Audit Scotland also highlighted that six of Scotland’s universities had reported deficits every year since...
Audit Scotland also highlighted that six of Scotland’s universities had reported deficits every year since 2014–15; more than half of all Scottish universities were in deficit in 2017–18; and that the position was worse in 2018 than in 2014–15 for … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's observations on the financial health and estate challenges of Scottish universities, emphasizing that higher education is largely a devolved responsibility. It highlights ongoing close working relationships with the Scottish Government and its efforts to support the Scottish economy and universities.
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26 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
They also found that ‘ancient’ universities were generally better placed to withstand these pressures, because...
They also found that ‘ancient’ universities were generally better placed to withstand these pressures, because of their ability to generate income from other sources and the balances in their reserves, but they faced strong competition from other universities in the … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges higher education as a devolved responsibility and emphasizes its ongoing engagement and collaboration with the Scottish Government to support the sector and recovery efforts.
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28 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
The covid-19 pandemic affected the higher education sector in Scotland to such an extent that...
The covid-19 pandemic affected the higher education sector in Scotland to such an extent that a number of interventions were required by both the UK and Scottish Governments in 2020 and 2021. These are detailed in the table below (up … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Scottish higher education sector and the need for interventions, reiterating that higher education is largely a devolved responsibility. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and the UK government's efforts to support the sector and economy through the pandemic.
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32 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
By 17 February 2021 the forecast operating deficit for the higher education sector in academic...
By 17 February 2021 the forecast operating deficit for the higher education sector in academic year 2020–21 had improved significantly and was estimated to be around £50 million83 (compared to the £450–500 million expected in July 202084). The Times reported … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the observation about the improved financial outlook for Scottish universities and the role of international students, stressing that higher education is a devolved responsibility. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and general UK government support for the sector and economy.
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33 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Universities Scotland argue however that level of public funding invested in teaching and research in...
Universities Scotland argue however that level of public funding invested in teaching and research in Scotland’s universities has been unsustainable for a number of years, that and the pandemic has further exposed and exacerbated this financial vulnerability.86 Likewise, Iain Stewart … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the concerns about the financial vulnerability and unsustainable public funding for Scottish universities, stating that higher education is primarily a devolved responsibility. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and the UK government's general efforts to support the sector's recovery from COVID-19.
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34 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
The ongoing effects of the covid-19 pandemic will have financial implications for the foreseeable future,88...
The ongoing effects of the covid-19 pandemic will have financial implications for the foreseeable future,88 with Minister Lochhead, Scottish Government, recognising that there was “more to be done”89 to support universities. The Scottish Funding Council has identified some of the … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the ongoing financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and the identified pressures facing Scottish universities, stressing that higher education is largely a devolved responsibility. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and the UK government's efforts to support the sector's recovery.
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35 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
The Scottish Parliament research service, SPICe, has noted that whilst the Scottish Budget, announced on...
The Scottish Parliament research service, SPICe, has noted that whilst the Scottish Budget, announced on 28 January 2021, did not deliver the £200 million funding increase called for by the sector, the capital budget increased by £4.5 million, the resource … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the devolved nature of higher education in Scotland and highlights its ongoing close and constructive working relationships with the Scottish Government to support the sector and recovery from COVID-19.
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36 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Following the UK Budget on 3 March 2021, the Scottish Government made the announcement on...
Following the UK Budget on 3 March 2021, the Scottish Government made the announcement on 24 March 2021 that teaching funding would increase by 8.1% to £1,112.4 million, which would fund “additional places created following increased applications from school leavers.”92 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the general context of support for higher education in Scotland, emphasizing its devolved nature and the importance of UK government policy impact. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and efforts to support the sector's recovery from COVID-19.
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37 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
It is not yet clear the extent to which this additional funding—along with positive indicators...
It is not yet clear the extent to which this additional funding—along with positive indicators regarding sustained international student numbers—will support Scottish 86 Universities Scotland, The Scottish Government’s 2021/22 budget is critical for Scottish HE (December 2020) 87 Q248 88 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the ongoing uncertainty regarding the recovery of Scottish universities from the pandemic, emphasizing that higher education is largely a devolved responsibility. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and the UK government's general efforts to support the sector and economy.
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39 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Universities Scotland have noted that a strong component of Scottish universities’ internationalisation strategy has been...
Universities Scotland have noted that a strong component of Scottish universities’ internationalisation strategy has been their drive to increase the number of international students: each year more than 58,000 international students from 180 countries (including from the EU) study in … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the importance of internationalisation and responded by detailing its UK-wide International Education Strategy, which aims to increase international students and education exports, noting that the target of 600,000 international students per year by 2030 has already been met.
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40 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
According to NUS Scotland, some international students are paying £20,000 a year to study at...
According to NUS Scotland, some international students are paying £20,000 a year to study at Scottish universities.98 Audit Scotland found that in 2016–17, on average, Scottish universities recovered 138.2% of the full cost of non-publicly-funded teaching, mainly by teaching non-EU … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterated its International Education Strategy's ambition to increase international students to 600,000 by 2030, noting that this target has already been met for the 2020-21 academic year.
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41 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
The Scottish Parliament has identified that 57% of all tuition fee income received by Scottish...
The Scottish Parliament has identified that 57% of all tuition fee income received by Scottish universities was derived from international (non-EU) students in 2018–19: 94 Q187 95 Universities Scotland, ‘Internationally Scottish: Creating global communities’, accessed 24 January 2021 96 Scottish … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of international students and the need for diversified recruitment, highlighting existing strategies like the International Education Strategy and Graduate Route to attract international students while managing risks.
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42 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
The Scottish Funding Council says it is clear that universities in Scotland “need” international students...
The Scottish Funding Council says it is clear that universities in Scotland “need” international students as a source of income in order to remain financially sustainable and to support other areas of their operation.103 Throughout our inquiry we have heard … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the observations regarding universities' reliance on international student income and associated vulnerabilities, emphasizing its International Education Strategy and Graduate Route to support diversified international student recruitment.
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43 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Professor James Conroy, Dean for Global Engagement (Europe) and Vice Principal Emeritus at the University...
Professor James Conroy, Dean for Global Engagement (Europe) and Vice Principal Emeritus at the University of Glasgow told us that “we are increasingly dependent on international student fee income not just to plug the gap, but to create the facilities, … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the observation regarding universities' increasing dependence on international student fees for infrastructure by promoting diversified recruitment through its International Education Strategy and Graduate Route, and noting that universities are aware of funding risks.
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44 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Rebecca Hackett, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, told us that the level...
Rebecca Hackett, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, told us that the level of reliance Scottish universities have on international student fees varies from university to university but that a loss of international fees has a “big impact” … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the devolved nature of HE in Scotland and its support for the sector, stressing that diversifying student recruitment is a key strategic priority to manage risks associated with dependence on single funding sources.
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45 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Scottish Government, recommended that:...
Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Scottish Government, recommended that: We now have to look at whether [Scotland’s universities] are sustainable going forward, and whether we are overdependent on international 102 Scottish Parliament, The impact … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the concerns raised about the financial sustainability and overdependence on international students, highlighting its International Education Strategy and Graduate Route for attracting a diversified international student base.
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46 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Rt Hon Alister Jack MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, also recognised the reliance of...
Rt Hon Alister Jack MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, also recognised the reliance of Scottish universities on international students: Scotland’s education sector should, in the first instance, exist to support Scottish and [rest of the UK] domiciled students and … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the points raised by the Secretary of State regarding the balance of international students and domestic provision, outlining its International Education Strategy and Graduate Route to attract a diversified international student base while noting universities' awareness of funding risks.
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47 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
In early 2020 there were major fears that international students would stay away from UK...
In early 2020 there were major fears that international students would stay away from UK universities due to the pandemic. In July 2020 there were forecasts that 12% to 61% of Chinese students (who make up the biggest single contingent … Read more
Government Response
The government generally acknowledges the importance of international students and diversified recruitment in the context of pandemic-related fears, citing its International Education Strategy and Graduate Route as mechanisms to support universities and attract students.
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50 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Although international students do not seem to be staying away from Scotland like many had...
Although international students do not seem to be staying away from Scotland like many had feared, commenters have noted that the pandemic has demonstrated just how vulnerable the current model is.120 Richard Lochhead MSP told us that “it has been … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the vulnerability of the current funding model and overdependence on international students by reiterating its commitment to diversified student recruitment, as outlined in its International Education Strategy and supported by measures like the Graduate Route.
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51 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
A further potential risk to international student numbers in Scotland is, as identified by the...
A further potential risk to international student numbers in Scotland is, as identified by the RSE Young Academy of Scotland, the impact of—and the perception abroad of— UK immigration policies. They view this risk as having already materialised, and give … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the potential risk from UK immigration policies by highlighting its International Education Strategy and Graduate Route as key measures to attract a diversified international student base, and notes universities are aware of funding risks.
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53 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Under EU rules on freedom of movement, European students studying in another EU member state...
Under EU rules on freedom of movement, European students studying in another EU member state had to be given the same access to higher education as local students. This meant that when the UK was part of the European Union, … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the devolved nature of Higher Education in Scotland and its commitment to working with the Scottish Government, while highlighting its International Education Strategy and efforts to diversify international student recruitment.
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54 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Following the UK’s exit from the EU, and the end of the UK-EU Transition Period,...
Following the UK’s exit from the EU, and the end of the UK-EU Transition Period, 2020–21 will be the last academic year in which EU students will be eligible to apply to have their tuition fees paid for by the … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges that Higher Education in Scotland is devolved and reiterates its commitment to working with the Scottish Government and supporting the sector, referring to its International Education Strategy and efforts to diversify student recruitment.
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58 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Throughout our inquiry we also heard about the non-financial benefits EU students provide to Scottish...
Throughout our inquiry we also heard about the non-financial benefits EU students provide to Scottish universities, including that: • EU students enrich campuses by “creating multinational, multicultural learning environments”, which is of “tremendous benefit to our home students in Scotland”.138 … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the non-financial benefits of international students, aligning with the committee's observations that they enrich learning environments, foster cultural exchange, and build future networks.
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80 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Richard Lochhead MSP, Scottish Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, told us that:...
Richard Lochhead MSP, Scottish Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, told us that: We do work with the UK Government, and the UK Government have been speaking to us. There will be lots more discussions because these are … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the premise of continued cooperation with devolved administrations on higher education, stating that engagement is ongoing at ministerial and official levels.
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84 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Unlike the EU Horizon Programme, the UK decided not to participate in Erasmus+ following the...
Unlike the EU Horizon Programme, the UK decided not to participate in Erasmus+ following the end of the UK-EU Transition Period. The Government said this was because Erasmus+ was “extremely expensive”.199 This was despite the Chancellor of the Duchy of … Read more
Government Response
The government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for three years and outlined its aims to promote international educational mobility, also noting President Von Der Leyen's comment that partial country association with Erasmus+ is not legally possible.
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86 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
By way of comparison, Erasmus+ funding for 2018 covered 49,000 students in the UK (17,000...
By way of comparison, Erasmus+ funding for 2018 covered 49,000 students in the UK (17,000 outgoing and 32,000 incoming) and over 7,000 staff, at a cost of around €160 million.205 This means that, for the one year currently funded, the … Read more
Government Response
The government confirmed £110 million funding for the Turing Scheme for three years from 2022/23, reiterating its commitment to international educational mobility and the scheme's evaluation to ensure it delivers on its objectives.
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95 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
The Welsh Government is similarly disappointed that the UK is no longer participating in the...
The Welsh Government is similarly disappointed that the UK is no longer participating in the Erasmus+ scheme and, as a result, has begun developing its own scheme called the ‘New International Learning Exchange’ to “fill the gaps Turing leaves”.220 A … Read more
Government Response
The government confirmed continued funding for the Turing Scheme at £110 million for 2022/23, committed to its development and evaluation, and stated its intent to engage with Devolved Administrations, noting that partial association with Erasmus+ is not legally possible.
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96 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
In relation to Erasmus+, Iain Stewart MP, Minister for Scotland, told us that that he...
In relation to Erasmus+, Iain Stewart MP, Minister for Scotland, told us that that he “fully acknowledge the benefits that that scheme brought”224 and that: The possibility of staying part of Erasmus was a central part of the negotiations all … Read more
Government Response
The government confirmed continued funding for the Turing Scheme at £110 million for 2022/23, committed to its development and evaluation, and stated its intent to engage with Devolved Administrations, noting that partial association with Erasmus+ is not legally possible.
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98 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
In relation to the importance of inward, rather than just outward exchanges, Minister Stewart said,...
In relation to the importance of inward, rather than just outward exchanges, Minister Stewart said, “I absolutely get the value of these exchanges in both directions”228 and: In terms of students coming here, what we are also working on—and Scottish … Read more
Government Response
The government confirmed continued funding for the Turing Scheme at £110 million for 2022/23, committing to its development and evaluation, and stated its intent to engage with Devolved Administrations. It generally acknowledged international educational mobility but did not directly address the International Education Strategy.
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100 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Until 17 December 2020, one week before the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was reached,...
Until 17 December 2020, one week before the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was reached, the UK Government was reassuring Parliament that UK participation in Erasmus+ was intended to be included within the UK-EU deal. Given that Erasmus+ disproportionally benefited … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the committee's support for the Turing Scheme by confirming its funding for the next three years, committing to evaluating its first year's impact, and continuing engagement with Devolved Administrations.
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102 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Since the announcement that the UK will no longer participate in the EU Erasmus+ programme...
Since the announcement that the UK will no longer participate in the EU Erasmus+ programme following the end of the Transition Period, both the Scottish Government and Scottish academics have been lobbying for Scotland to remain in Erasmus+ independently from … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the ongoing situation regarding Scotland's desire to participate in Erasmus+ but reiterates that association by part of a country is not legally possible, while also providing an update on Turing Scheme funding.
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104 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Universities and Sc…
Rebecca Hackett, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, told us however that: The...
Rebecca Hackett, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, told us however that: The European Commission has confirmed, following the decision of the UK Government not to participate in the next programme, that there was not an option for … Read more
Government Response
The government confirmed that association by part of a country with the Erasmus+ programme is not legally possible, reinforcing the statement from the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, and outlined Turing Scheme funding and evaluation.
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105 Conclusion Acknowledged
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When asked what position of the UK Government would be if the European Commission changed...
When asked what position of the UK Government would be if the European Commission changed its mind on Scottish participation in Erasmus+, Minister Stewart said: My point would be that Scotland would be paying twice: first for the Turing Scheme … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterated its position that association with Erasmus+ by part of a country is not legally possible, citing President Von Der Leyen, and provided an update on the Turing Scheme's three-year funding and evaluation plans.
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107 Conclusion Acknowledged
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Scotland’s universities have an international reputation for excellent research that delivers economic and social benefits...
Scotland’s universities have an international reputation for excellent research that delivers economic and social benefits for both Scotland and the wider world.237 Richard Lochhead MSP, Scottish Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, has said that “Scotland is a … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges Scotland's strong global reputation for higher education and research, stating the need to work together to maintain it.
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108 Conclusion Acknowledged
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The University of Glasgow argues that Scottish universities’ global reputation for excellent research is evidenced...
The University of Glasgow argues that Scottish universities’ global reputation for excellent research is evidenced through ‘Research Excellence Framework’ exercises and the percentage of funding won from UK research funders compared to the relative size of the research base.240 As … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges Scotland's strong global reputation for higher education and research and expresses a desire to work together to ensure its continuation, but does not outline specific actions.
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109 Conclusion Acknowledged
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The Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon Alister Jack MP, also highlighted to us...
The Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon Alister Jack MP, also highlighted to us the importance of Scotland’s research base: 237 Universities Scotland, Internationally Scottish - Creating global communities (July 2020), p 12 238 “Putting Scottish science and research … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged Scotland's strong reputation in higher education and research, stating the need for continued collaboration to maintain it.
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110 Conclusion Acknowledged
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Alastair Sim, Universities Scotland, made the point to us that a large amount of how...
Alastair Sim, Universities Scotland, made the point to us that a large amount of how we respond to the pandemic is going to be through research, and the need therefore for having a “vibrant world-class research base”.246 Professor Chris Pearce, … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges Scotland's strong global reputation for higher education and research and states the need to work together to ensure this continues, but does not commit to specific new actions or investment.
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117 Conclusion Acknowledged
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In response to the immediate economic pressures the UK faced as a result of the...
In response to the immediate economic pressures the UK faced as a result of the pandemic, the UK Government decided in November 2020 to temporarily reduce the funds it would make available for Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.7% to … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the temporary ODA reduction by outlining its commitment to increase public R&D spending to £20 billion by 2024/25, and to return ODA funding to 0.7% of GNI by 2024/25, contingent on the fiscal situation.
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119 Conclusion Acknowledged
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The Chancellor has said that sticking rigidly to the ODA target was difficult to justify...
The Chancellor has said that sticking rigidly to the ODA target was difficult to justify under current economic circumstances but that he intended to return to 0.7% “when the fiscal situation allows”.271
Government Response
The government reiterates its commitment, made at the Spending Review 2021, to return ODA funding to 0.7% of GNI by 2024/25, conditional on the fiscal situation allowing, and highlights an increase in R&D ODA spend.
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131 Conclusion Acknowledged
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Horizon 2020 was the EU’s framework programme for research and innovation.
Horizon 2020 was the EU’s framework programme for research and innovation. The UK was both a significant contributor to and beneficiary from Horizon 2020 with, between 2014 and 2016, the highest share of participants in signed grant agreements (12.8% of … Read more
Government Response
The government stated it has agreed to associate with Horizon Europe and is ready to formalise participation, but has faced delays from the EU. It confirmed UK applicants are eligible and outlined financial terms and a contingency plan if association is not possible.
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134 Conclusion Acknowledged
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It is currently unclear how much influence the UK will have over Horizon Europe.
It is currently unclear how much influence the UK will have over Horizon Europe. The Declarations agreed between the UK and EU as part of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement state that the UK “shall participate as an associated … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms its agreement to associate with Horizon Europe, explaining that the UK will participate in all areas except the EIC Fund and that applicants are eligible on equivalent terms, with financial provisions ensuring no payment for excluded parts.
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139 Conclusion Acknowledged
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Professor Nigel Seaton, Abertay University, told us that higher education is “fundamentally international”.324 Universities Scotland...
Professor Nigel Seaton, Abertay University, told us that higher education is “fundamentally international”.324 Universities Scotland have also stated that “internationalisation is top of the agenda for Scottish universities”325 and, in July 2020, they published a report on the importance of … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the international nature and importance of Scottish higher education, citing ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and UK government support for universities, recognising the benefits of international students.
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Government Response AI assessment · 141 of 29 classified
Accepted 44
Accepted in Part 2
Acknowledged 48
Deferred 5
Not Addressed 32
Rejected 10
Total 29 recs + 122 conclusions
Correspondence 4 letters
16 May 2022 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State for Scotland on the UK Government response to the Universities and Scotland report, dated 10 May 2022
Parliament page
27 Apr 2022 From committee Letter to the Secretary of State for Scotland on the UK Government response to the Universities and Scotland report, dated 25 April 2022
Parliament page
7 Mar 2022 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State for Scotland, on Government responses to Committee reports, dated 4 March 2022
Parliament page
2 Mar 2022 From committee Letter to the Secretary of State for Scotland on Government responses to Committee reports, dated 21 February 2022
Parliament page