The Modernisation Agenda of the UniversitiesStrathclyde University – A Case Study

Dr Peter W A West

Chief Operating Officer

University of Strathclyde

Anderson’s Institution

Founded in 1796 by John Anderson

Granted Royal Charter 1964

The University of Strathclyde

‘...a place of useful learning...’

3rd largest university in Scotland

One of largest providers of postgraduate education in UK

Cutting edge of education (Europe’s first interactive classroom 1997)

Annual income £200M

‘The Place of Useful Learning’ Strathclyde is ranked in the top 10 of Businesses’ favourite Universities in the UK, according to a report by Imperial College Business School (2009)

In excess of 160 patents and licence agreements which have generated more than £42m in royalty income over a 25 year period

Generated over 45 spin-out companies to date

Engaging with businesses through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with 21 current projects. Strathclyde is top in Scotland for the uptake of KTPs, and 9th in the UK

The University has supported students and alumni to start 47 new companies in the last four years

Problems for the University

League table position Peaks of Excellence, troughs of under-performance Poor Infrastructure Research Assessment Exercise Weak Brand - problem of differentiation First choice Engineering/Business/Science/Law:

Second choice Arts, Social Sciences, Education

Excellence Agenda‘A Place where only the best are good

enough to work and study.’

2007-2009 Excellence Reviews closure merger investment

March 2009 Engineering Principal (Rector)

Education/Social Sciences Merger

Appointed Vice-Rectors and Deans

Early Retirement/voluntary severance - £12m saved

Restructuring of Professional Services

2008-2009 Holistic Reviews MarketingAppointmentsStudent RecruitmentPurchasing

2009 Professional Services ReviewPartnership WorkingHolistic approachChanged role of Vice-Rectors13 Directors down to 8

2009/10 New Directors’ BriefRestructuring, save 10%

Decision Making

Executive Team established

Strategic Committees – Staff; Estates; Information Strategy; Research & Knowledge Exchange

Professional Officers Empowered

Executive/Non Executive distinction clarified

Progress

Investment in new research lectureship Rapidly rising research income Estates investment of £300m agreed AFRC and Scottish & Southern Energy Partnerships National Research Centre for Sustainable Energy Rebranded as ‘Modern Technological University’

A Technological University: Scotland’s ‘MIT’