I was present yesterday and can confirm that it was a very worthwhile event. Strengthening the economy of the Glasgow Area should be among the two or three top economic priorities for the Scottish government but will also need strong support from the UK government.
As was pointed out we need high value added, world beating industries to drive growth. These will tend to come from our universities and I think there is a good understanding of this at all levels though we must never let up in what is, by its nature, a highly competitive business.
We also need to make sure that growth is inclusive. Everyone of working age in the area needs to have the opportunity of a fulfilling and well paid job. Much of our ability to deliver that will depend more on the schools and colleges rather than universities and here there is cause for concern - as articulated by Jim McColl. We simply cannot afford to have anything other than an excellent education system for the 50% who do not go to university. I am far from convinced about the Scottish government's current reforms but one relatively simple step could help a lot.
School and college inspection should be made independent of government by making it answerable to Parliament in the manner of the Auditor General. The Bill currently before Parliament provides an opportunity to do that.
I was present yesterday and can confirm that it was a very worthwhile event. Strengthening the economy of the Glasgow Area should be among the two or three top economic priorities for the Scottish government but will also need strong support from the UK government.
As was pointed out we need high value added, world beating industries to drive growth. These will tend to come from our universities and I think there is a good understanding of this at all levels though we must never let up in what is, by its nature, a highly competitive business.
We also need to make sure that growth is inclusive. Everyone of working age in the area needs to have the opportunity of a fulfilling and well paid job. Much of our ability to deliver that will depend more on the schools and colleges rather than universities and here there is cause for concern - as articulated by Jim McColl. We simply cannot afford to have anything other than an excellent education system for the 50% who do not go to university. I am far from convinced about the Scottish government's current reforms but one relatively simple step could help a lot.
School and college inspection should be made independent of government by making it answerable to Parliament in the manner of the Auditor General. The Bill currently before Parliament provides an opportunity to do that.