Initiatives

The relationship between business and higher education is an important one, and with information and knowledge the critical drivers for most businesses, a relationship becomin more vital daily.

Australian business can reap large benefits from better access to the skills and knowledge of our higher education institutions. Business leaders have a lot to offer in promoting the quality, vitality and global competitiveness of our higher educatiion system.

WHAT DOES B-HERT DO TO ACHIEVE THIS?

In pursuing its mission, B-HERT aims to influence public opinion and government policy on selected issues of importance.

B-HERT is the only body where leaders of Australia's business, research, professional and academic communities come together to address important issues of common concern, to improve the interaction between Australian business and higher education institutions, and to help guide the future directions of higher education.

Membership of B-HERT comprises Australian universities, corporations, professional associations and the major public research organisations (CSIRO and ANSTO).

ISSUES WE ARE PURSUING INCLUDE:

• long-term funding of universities, particularly in respect of research and research training;
• the training agenda - in terms of the extent to which the education and training sector is effective and meeting the needs of business;
• the commercialisation of research, particularly in the public sector;
• the critical need for lifelong learning in the business environment;
• the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship;
• more effective regional engagement;
• commercial partnerships in R&D;
• quality in higher education;
• science infrastructure; and
• the need to invest in R&D

B-HERT believes that a prerequisite for a more prosperous and equitable society in Australia is a more highly-educated community. In material terms it fosters economic growth and improved living standards - through improved productivity and competitiveness with other countries.