17-Sep-2008
1
Balancing the needs and
expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education
institutions
Professor Wendy PurcellVice-Chancellor & Chief Executive
University of Plymouth, UK
The University of Plymouth
the Enterprise university
An ambitious university where innovation and
creativity are at the heart of all activities
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the autonomy of
higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
What are the
higher education
needs and
expectations of
society?
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
17-Sep-2008
2
•Contributing to the knowledge economy
•Development and maintenance of a broad, advanced
knowledge base
•Quality education and training – lifelong learning
What are the higher education needs and
expectations of society? 1
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
•Creating centres of excellence in research, consultancy
and advice
•Embedding international, multi-cultural education in the
curriculum
•Promoting equal opportunities and access to HE
What are the higher education needs and
expectations of society? 2
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
University of Plymouth Colleges (UPC)
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
17-Sep-2008
3
What does a university bring to a
region?
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
•Education – lifelong learning
•Employment and providers of skilled graduates
•Providing cultural and sporting facilities
What does higher education bring
to a region? 1
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
•Business support – personal, professional and
business development
•Supporting the public sector and local services
•Enterprise, innovation and knowledge transfer
opportunities
What does higher education bring
to a region? 2
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
17-Sep-2008
4
The Peninsula Arts Programme
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
Socio-Economic Research & Intelligence
Observatory (SERIO)
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
What is meant
by the
autonomy of
universities?
17-Sep-2008
5
•Staff and students
•Curriculum and teaching
•Academic
•Research and publication
•Administration and finance
•Governance
What is meant by the autonomy of
universities?
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
Drivers, developments and challenges
in Higher Education
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
•Students as consumers
•Demographic changes
•Leitch targets
•Global competition
•Diversity income streams
Drivers, developments and challenges in
Higher Education
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
17-Sep-2008
6
How can we balance society’s
expectations and a university’s
autonomy? Is there a conflict?
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
•Transparent and accountable
•Building sustainable partnerships
•Regularly assess risk and diversify income streams
How can we balance society’s
expectations and a university’s
autonomy? Is there a conflict? 1
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
•A professional and business-like approach
•Work with stakeholders to gain market intelligence
•Robust governance structures and procedures
How can we balance society’s
expectations and a university’s
autonomy? Is there a conflict? 2
OECD: Balancing the needs and expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education institutions – Professor Wendy Purcell
17-Sep-2008
7
Balancing the needs and
expectations of society with the
autonomy of higher education
institutions
Professor Wendy PurcellVice-Chancellor & Chief Executive
University of Plymouth, UK