This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Funding for universities and colleges
15/12/2006
Funding of £750,000 to support Scottish universities and colleges with their international business planning and development over the next two years was announced today.
Scottish Development International (SDI) will work with institutions to advise them on market entry strategies, provide market research and help them to identify suitable business partners as part of a wider International Further and Higher Education Strategy. An additional four jobs will be created.
Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen said:
"Scotland already has an enviable reputation for education around the globe.
"International students speak highly of their experience here and our universities consistently feature among the world's best research institutions.
"However, our colleges and universities are not simply about education and research - many are taking steps into the business world, not just in this country, but overseas.
"I'm pleased to be able to confirm that Scottish Development International (SDI) will work with our institutions to help them exploit commercial opportunities overseas and become more internationally competitive.
"This development is one which could considerably enhance the capacity, of colleges and universities operating internationally.
"Our colleges and universities are enthusiastic about this initiative, which has the clear potential to give Scottish institutions an edge over competitors."
Martin Togneri, Chief Executive Officer of SDI, added:
"This is a great opportunity to grow our relationship with Scotland's universities and colleges and to help them increase the already strong contribution they make to growing Scotland's economy.
"While this remit formalises the arrangement, SDI and Scotland's universities and colleges are not strangers to each other so we know from working together in the past that there are many ways in which we can support their internationalisation.
"From the development of internationalisation strategy through commercialisation of research and development to help in finding partners overseas, I'm confident that there is a great deal of value that SDI can deliver for our universities and colleges. Supporting their internationalisation is an obvious and natural fit for SDI in today's knowledge driven economy."