New financing rules for UK universities introduced last October could force industry to turn to foreign universities for aerospace research. Companies such as Rolls-Royce are warning universities and government that the new full economic cost recovery rules will increase costs for industry at an unacceptable rate.
Previously the actual cost of research was covered to a greater extent by the UK government’s general higher-education funding. While major companies have contracts with universities spread over several years, R-R and others are warning that when these end the new rules will see a research price hike that could push them abroad.
“When a young research assistant with two years experience costs more than one of your own experienced engineers you know you have got a problem,” says R-R director of research and technology Ric Parker. No-one from the UK’s Department for Trade and Industry was available for comment.
The Society of British Aerospace Companies says other major manufacturers are encountering the problem and has raised industry’s concerns with government. Industry is proposing that the UK’s research councils, such as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, provide extra funds to ensure university-based research remains competitive.
Source: Flight International
