Collaborative Momentum Towards M&A...
Universities UK reveals that two in five universities are now actively open to, or considering, mergers and acquisitions. Federations, alliances, and collaborative structures are also gaining momentum, as discussed by Wonkhe earlier this academic year, with 65% of institutions now exploring these models.
We move into a new Stronger Together era, where shared challenges and distinctive strengths help to navigate financial pressures, international student recruitment risks and rising costs hitting most head on.
Marriages born of opportunity support shared visions through periods of dynamic change.
With precedents set recently (such as University of Kent and Greenwich, King's College London and Cranfield University) and new OfS guidance, the Chief Executive of Universities UK, Vivienne Stern MBE, said ‘These institutions aren’t settling, they’re making strategic moves towards greater impact and sustainability, and the sector’s PR must appreciate it as such.’
Higher education has always been at the heart of social mobility and economic growth here in the UK. Disruption is increasingly recognised as the new normal. The question is no longer will the sector adapt, but instead how creative, collaborative institutions can join forces to act swiftly and ahead of urgencies.
Reflecting on my related post last year: ‘Map your journey early. Seek out partnership affinities. Build a defined and controlled project destination.’
