Written Question · S1W-11294 · Session 1
Further to the answer to question S1W-10755 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 13 November 2000, how it will ensure that Scottish universities are no…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10755 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 13 November 2000, how it will ensure that Scottish universities are not adversely affected by any e-university proposal; whether there is any organisation in existence which will, if necessary, protect the interests of Scottish universities in this context; what steps any such organisation has taken to promote its activities to the e-university committee and, if no such organisation exists, whether it will consider establishing one.
The answer
All universities and higher education institutions throughout the UK are currently being consulted on the proposed e-university business model. A UK-wide steering group for the e-university (e-U) has representation from a Scottish university, and the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) also has observer status on that group, to ensure that Scottish institutions' interests are considered and to keep Scottish institutions informed of the group's work.SHEFC will consider all responses from Scottish institutions to the current consultation, which will inform its future policies.The e-U business model report refers to the existence of "Scottish Knowledge", launched in 1999, as "perhaps the most comprehensive e-development within the UK, set up by a group of Scottish universities and UK businesses to act as a commercial and global marketing partner. (It) has some similarities with (the) proposals for the e-U". It is clear that the e-U steering group, and the consultants who prepared the business model report, are well aware of Scottish developments.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-11294 by reference.