Ireland focuses on UK/EU relationship in three-year higher ed strategy

Posted date: 15 Mar 2021

The Irish government has pledged to “promote continuing linkages and deeper connections” between higher education institutions in Ireland and the UK, as well position itself as a leading knowledge economy, it has said as it set out its 2021-23 higher education strategy. The plan also focuses on the country’s relationship with Europe, and covers a raft of strategic goals, from talent, innovation, inclusion, governance and capacity. It has been widely welcomed by stakeholders in the country.

Five targets within the international stratum include: becoming a leading knowledge economy; developing an updated strategic framework for international education and research; advancing partnership with the EU; enhancing cooperation between the North/South; and foster “deeper connections” with UK partners.

“The department has ambitious goals to reform our higher education sector, to grow our research and innovation system and to develop the skills agenda,” minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris said. The minister has also suggested that institutes of technology and new technological universities, which will be central in the “next step in the evolution of Irish higher education”, will boost international reach.

This latest strategy reaffirms a commitment to work with the European Commission and EU partners to support the recovery of the region’s economy, achieve the European Education Area, and promote green and digital transitions. It will also seek to build a future relationship with the UK along with other EU member states, following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Harris has also suggested this week that a doubling of application numbers to Irish universities from other EU countries could be the result of a Brexit.

Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/ireland-focuses-on-ukeu-relationship-in-three-year-higher-ed-strategy/

Posted By

GSP Admin