Higher Education: Investing in our knowledge economy

VU's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Dawkins, is a panellist at the upcoming Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) event which looks at needs and opportunities in the higher education sector.

Recent policy announcements, ministerial reshuffles and rejection of the base funding review have placed higher education back on the front pages. Despite playing an increasing role in our national economic prospects, government signals on key policy priorities for the sector are uncertain.

The higher education sector is of critical importance not only to Australia's knowledge and skills base, but also to national productivity and international competitiveness. The sector is Australia's largest service export, with total value having doubled every five years from 1990 - 2010 and contributing more to national economy than tourism.

There is concern, however, that investment in the sector is likely to fall short in the coming years, leaving it vulnerable to overseas competition and an inability to fully maximise the opportunities presented by a booming Asia. Developing a reform agenda geared towards increased investment in our universities, growing export potential and commitment to a research and development community in Australia are critical steps to building a thriving knowledge economy.

This CEDA event will look at:

• reform priorities for the sector and investment needs
• opportunities to grow a globally engaged higher education sector
• building a robust research and development capability
• commercialisation and opportunities for deeper collaboration
• the broader impact of universities on society and the skills pipeline.

Panellists

Professor Peter Dawkins
Vice-Chancellor, Victoria University

Professor John Dewar
Vice-Chancellor, La Trobe University

Professor Linda Kristjanson
Vice-Chancellor, Swinburne University of Technology

Tony Peacock
Chief Executive, Cooperative Research Centres Association

Professor Peter Rathjen
Vice-Chancellor, University of Tasmania

Professor Adam Shoemaker
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Monash University

Facilitator

Professor Glenn Withers AO
Professor of Economics, Crawford School of Public Policy
Australian National University

Cost

Early bird rates 

(closes 10 May 2013)

Corporate table rates: $1170 table x 8
CEDA members and guests: $1463 table x 10

Regular rates

CEDA members and guests

$170 per person
$1292.50 table x 8
$1581 table x 10

Non members

$300 per person
$3000 table x 10

Register

Payment is available by credit card, EFT or cheque.

Register online for the event at CEDA's website.