Chartered ABS publishes ‘Business schools as engines of growth, opportunity, and innovation’

The Chartered Association of Business Schools (Chartered ABS) has published a white paper outlining the strategic direction for aligning UK business schools’ contribution to the economy and society with the Government’s missions and policies.

The white paper - ‘Business schools as engines of growth, opportunity, and innovation’ - sets out key recommendations for closer collaboration between business schools and government. The recommendations focus on expanding opportunity, driving stronger local growth, safeguarding future research excellence, and shaping a renewed global strategy for universities - areas where business schools play a vital role.

Developed by members of the Chartered ABS Policy Committee, the publication was produced as a supplement to complement the Universities UK report, “Opportunity, Growth and Partnership: A Blueprint for Change” published in September 2024, which set out a vision for how universities can further contribute to national prosperity and social mobility.

Business schools are critical to universities and to the Government’s growth mission. As anchor institutions, they contribute significantly to local economies by attracting businesses, investment, and talent to cities, regions, and nations. Yet, their ability to deliver on this promise is increasingly under threat by financial challenges and policy decisions that undermine the sector’s success.

The Chartered ABS white paper comes at a time of considerable pressure on the higher education sector, following a year marked by increased national insurance contributions, the Immigration White Paper, and the withdrawal of levy funding for Level 7 apprenticeships which undermined the UK’s global competitiveness and the financial sustainability of the sector.

This white paper calls for urgent collaboration between the sector and government to drive economic growth and help restore the UK’s global standing in higher education.

The publication features four chapters:

• Paper A: Expanding Opportunity – by Professor Abigail Marks, Associate Dean of Research, Newcastle University Business School

• Paper B: Generating Local Growth – by Professor Morris Altman, Dean, University of Dundee School of Business

• Paper C: A World-Leading Research and Innovation System – by Professor Julia Balogun, Dean, University of Liverpool Management School

• Paper D: Global Reach, Reputation, and Impact – by Kamran Razmdoost, Dean, ESCP Business School London

Professor Stewart Robinson, Chair of the Chartered ABS and Dean at Newcastle University Business School, said:

“Business schools make an exceptional contribution to the economy, society, innovation, and the UK’s international reputation for higher education. We live in challenging times, not just for business schools and universities, but for the communities and businesses we serve. This is a moment to strengthen collaboration with government to ensure the business school sector thrives and continues to fuel the nation’s economy. I want to thank the Policy Committee members for their work in producing this important piece of work and for highlighting the vital role business schools play across society.”

Download the white paper.