Global engagement
SFC is keen to support the global engagement of Scotland’s colleges and universities and the Research & Innovation Group works with colleagues across SFC to co-ordinate our policies.
Wherever possible, we align this work with the international strategies and initiatives of the Scottish Government and Research Councils UK. The UK Higher Education International Unit has also been established to co-ordinate, promote and undertake activities designed to support UK HEIs in a globally competitive world.
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government published a range of documents relevant to international research activity in 2008, links to many of which can be found below:
- In 2007, International Lifelong Learning - Scotland's Contribution was produced in collaboration with a range of organisations in the education and business sectors. The strategy aims to further enhance the internationalisation of Scottish post-school education.
- There is a co-ordinating group to guide further work concerning the strategy - with a remit to co-ordinate the development and delivery of an action plan in support of the aims identified in the strategy, on behalf of Scottish Ministers.
- Scottish Government International Framework (23 April 2008)
- Scottish Government Action Plan on European Engagement (23 April 2008)
(Please note that this is a published draft) - Scottish Government current EU priorities (reviewed on a six-monthly basis)
- Scottish Government Plan for Engagement with China (7 May 2008)
- Scottish Government International Development Policy (7 May 2008)
Research Councils UK
Research Councils UK published its International Strategy in 2007, setting out five aims:
- encourage collaboration between UK researchers and the best researchers from around the world;
- promote the movement of researchers to and from the UK;
- give UK researchers access to data, facilities and resources;
- influence the international research agenda; and
- promote the UK as a world centre for research and innovation.