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Scottish Universities are the Key to Scottish National Development

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal of Robert Gordon University will use his address to graduating students today (15th July 2011) to talk about the important role universities will play as Scotland pursues greater levels of economic and fiscal autonomy.

Professor von Prondzynski will say:

"Scotland needs to develop an economic performance that relies less on the public sector. This will require more knowledge-intensive investment, both by multinational companies locating R&D in this country, and by local start-ups that link with our universities.

There will need to be a higher degree of joint planning for economic development between the government and its agencies (in particular Scottish Enterprise) on the one hand, and the universities on the other.

Universities will need to ensure that they are providing the skills needed for economic and social development, that their research supports Scotland's ambitions, and that they are a magnet for investment and innovation. This will need to be achieved through a much more visible partnership between the government and the higher education institutions.

Robert Gordon University is keen to be a leader in this process and to make a direct contribution to the North-East of Scotland and the country as a whole.

We will put forward development plans and strategies that will provide the support with which Scotland will be able to continue to develop a thriving economy and a fair society."

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