Guernsey University idea fails to attract UK partner

A working party chaired by Economic Development president Charles Parkinson was set up about 18 months ago in order to investigate the idea.

‘We’ve already talked to dozens of universities,’ said Deputy Parkinson.

‘The question from their side has been “What’s in it for us?”,’ he said.

‘So we have to work with them towards something we could put out that’s a useful adjunct to what they currently offer.’

The aim is to find the right partnership, he said, ‘but we’ve not yet had that breakthrough.

‘A university would be an income stream in itself, if we tap into the UK’s reputation for providing first-class higher education.’

It is one of several projects outlined in the committee’s recently published strategy report, in which it sets outs ideas to promote stronger growth in the island’s economy over the next 10 years or so.

Speaking after a presentation of the plans to States members yesterday, Deputy Parkinson said that the university project could also tap into other areas of the committee’s strategy, such as by providing courses aimed at those studying medtech or renewable energy, two of the other avenues which Economic Development wants to be explored.

If a university of 1,000 students was established, the report said that the benefits could be about £10m. a year, with some £2m. going to general revenue. And there could be more than £21m. of indirect benefits per year, representing 1% of GDP.

‘Around £4m. per year in salaries of those employed directly would mean an additional sum of over £0.5m. per year to general revenue, and this is before the benefits to the local supply chain and construction industry are factored in,’ said the report.

It suggests that a long-term (10-20 year) partnership with an overseas university (non-UK) could be the way forward for Guernsey.

It could offer a niche built on existing expertise, such as business, cyber-security and renewables and this could be opened up to different partners in future.

‘To maximise economic benefit the university would provide opportunity for on-island business growth through partnerships, knowledge transfer and spin-outs from the university,’ said the report.

That first 10 years could see relationships established with UK universities in order for an additional partnership to be put in place with a Russell Group member university.

‘Therefore we will strive to meet UK standards in order to enable that opportunity.’

The working group’s aim is to set out the benefits and costs of developing this and come up with a draft project plan specifying the likely investment required from the States and the private sector.

Identifying suitable partners and a model to encourage and deliver investment from the private sector is another of its goals.