Auril calls for broad approach to business-university interaction

Engagement with businesses needs to be encouraged across universities, not just in business schools, the Association for University Research and Industry Links has said.

In a statement published this week, Auril said it was pleased that the Witty review of universities and growth had taken its recommendations into account, and that the government response to the review had been supportive.

The association supports the review’s recommendation that business schools be encouraged to work with local businesses on practical problems. However, “it is important that this activity continues to be encouraged and recognised across all academic disciplines”, the statement said, adding that anecdotal evidence shows that interactions between universities and businesses often do not involve business schools.