THES reporters turn the spotlight on the working groups set up so far by Sir Ron Dearing as part of his inquiry into the future of higher education. The team of ten assigned by Sir Ron Dearing to consider the economic role of higher education will be tackling some of the most controversial and politically-loaded issues of the inquiry.

The working group is chaired by Sir Geoffrey Holland, Exeter University vice chancellor, and includes Sir Ron Dearing; John Arbuthnott, vice chancellor of the University of Strathclyde; Adrian Webb, vice chancellor of the University of Glamorgan; Martin Cave, pro-vice chancellor at Brunel University; and Mark Blaug, visiting professor of economics at Exeter University.

John Bridge, chief executive of the Northern Development Company; Judith Evans, director of corporate personnel at Sainsbury's; Gill Wilson, managing director of Manor Properties; and David Potter, chairman of Psion plc add a business and industry perspective.

The group will look into the economic case for further expansion of higher education. Importantly, the terms of reference adds, "with particular reference to the social and economic rates of return which higher education generates and the implications for funding".

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The harsh economic realities of expansion have exercised the minds of the three main political parties' education teams since the Government put the brakes on growth three years ago.

Labour has argued strongly in favour of "opening the flood gates", and the Liberal Democrats also want an end to the moratorium. Both suggest more growth could be funded in part through contributions from students and employers.

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The Government, on the other hand, has continued to preach and exercise caution. Eric Forth, higher education minister, dared to ask whether the country really needed more graduates. Part of the answer has to do with the economic returns from investment in higher education, and this will be at the heart of the economic working group's investigations.

The issue of returns on investment will lead the group to look at the role of higher education from a regional, as well as a national, perspective. The significance of the economic and social impact of universities and colleges on their regions has been noticed by politicians and is a factor in the allocation of student numbers in the ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ Funding Council for England's new funding system.

The group is likely to consider the findings of many universities on their economic role. It should also look at the important part played by further education colleges in delivering locally and regionally accessible higher education, often in partnership with universities and higher education colleges.

Finally, the group will be getting to grips with supply and demand questions. Do employers want more graduates, and if so, what kinds of skills do they expect them to have? They will be looking at the need for continuing professional training, and whether professional bodies should have more of a say in the content of courses. The answers may help working group members decide whether higher education is delivering value for money.

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