Media: EuropeMedia looks at Spending on Higher Education and Research

"Post-secondary education and the integration of technology in the EU" by Jeff Thurston for EuropeMedia explores how the EU is tackling the fact that some countries (including Britain) are now spending less on activities that support innovation.

The article looks at funding for higher education and the twice-over benefit of well-developed graduates: as purchasers and as producers of innovative technology.

The report quotes the European Commission as saying that on average, EU member states spend 5% of GDP on public expenditure for education as a whole. This figure is comparable to that of the US and higher than that of Japan (3.5%). Public expenditure, however, has not increased with GDP in recent years in Europe, and has even dropped over the past decade. Total expenditure on post-secondary education alone has not increased in any member state in proportion to the growth in the number of students.

'The proportion of its GDP that the UK spends on R&D has also declined significantly, while in other advanced countries - including smaller countries like Sweden and Ireland - it has risen.'

Further, 'the Commission notes the low level of mobility for students between European countries, and that many students who attain some form of post-secondary education qualification do not start their own businesses.'

This article is a good overview of current EU thinking about innovation and education and, by implication, design research.

Associated Link: EuropeMedia: Post-secondary education and the integration of technology in the EU

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