The UK’s largest-ever delegation of universities and education leaders has embarked on a five-day journey to India. Their mission: to engage with key stakeholders, promote internationalization of higher education through partnerships and dual-degree programs, and strengthen research collaborations. This initiative has garnered significant attention and support from the British government.
Unprecedented Delegation
Coordinated by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), this delegation comprises representatives from 31 UK higher education institutions and associated bodies. Their itinerary includes meetings with officials from various Indian universities, as well as state and central government bodies across Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Chennai.
The delegation’s visit coincides with the India-UK Higher Education Conference scheduled for September 18 and 19 in Delhi. The conference will serve as a platform for discussions centered around Transnational Education (TNE) and the expansion of higher education partnerships between the two countries.
Steve Smith, International Education Champion for the UK Government, expressed his enthusiasm for the delegation’s visit, stating, “I am delighted to be in India with a large and very engaged delegation of UK universities and officials who are eager to take forward partnerships and collaborations in all aspects of teaching, learning, research, and innovation. It’s well established that internationalization of universities enhances the quality of education systems and leads to mutually beneficial impact.”
Fostering Collaborations
One of the primary goals of this visit is to build upon the discussions held last year. The conference will focus on promoting deeper India-UK partnerships in science, research, and innovation to address global challenges collaboratively. Additionally, it seeks to identify and nurture potential higher education collaborations in alignment with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP), the India-UK Roadmap 2030, and the G20 priority areas for education.
The conference will also highlight the “Going Global Partnerships” program, which is dedicated to TNE collaborations between the two countries. The quality of education and internationalization will be central topics of discussion. The delegation will explore the scope and opportunities presented by the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQs) and the Foreign Collaboration Regulation of the UGC. Furthermore, there will be discussions on the possibilities for two-way student mobility.
Industry Academia Collaboration
Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, emphasized the significance of the India-UK Higher Education Conference, saying, “This year we will be announcing the Industry Academia grants which will support closer industry links in curriculum and course development that will enhance the capacity to create future-ready, job-ready graduates. Some of these institutions are now offering courses in important emerging areas of Disaster Management and Clinical Trials, and we hope to see many more in the near future.”
Engaging Key Figures
The conference proceedings will include participation from Higher Education system leaders, grant awardees, senior members of apex bodies such as NAAC, UGC, DST, and AIU. Additionally, approximately 50 vice-chancellors and senior leadership members of Indian universities have registered to participate in the conference.
This visit and the subsequent conference hold great promise for strengthening educational ties between India and the UK, fostering innovation, and enhancing the quality of higher education on both sides.
(This story has not been edited by EducatioCenter staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)