An organisation that aims to create synergy between higher education institutions and businesses has released the final report in a series of three that addresses the importance of companies using universities to aid Britain's fragile economic recovery.

The Council for Industry and Higher Education, a UK-based leader in bridging business networks with executives from the education sector, said encouraging employers to use higher education not only improved their own workers' skills but contributed to the success of the entire country's workforce.

The results of a Strategies for Effective HE-Employer Engagement report were drawn from interviews conducted within 10 different English institutes for higher education. The council summarised in the report that the institutions were able to raise student numbers and revenue by working with employers to generate higher-level skills for their workforce.

The findings indicate that developing personal relationships between academics and employers are essential in this process.

Since its launch in 1986, the council has continually strived to create links between businesses and universities to create a partnership that will contribute to a stronger market and promote social values.

"The CIHE is a strategic leadership organisation drawing on the skills and experience of senior business and academic leaders to work with the broader community on issues of major importance, and looking to create spaces for collaboration and experimentation, and to promote and disseminate best practice," said Chief Executive David Docherty

Although the council's current focus is the UK, the organisation plans to expand globally in the future, Docherty said.

"The CIHE has a strong relationship with its sister organisations in the US and in Japan, but would welcome thoughts and ideas from the global [higher education] community on how best to bring businesses and universities together to create economic and social value."

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