
WALES: Universities unite over recession
Five universities are pledging to work together in an attempt to help drive the Welsh economy out of the recession, reports BBC News. Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff, Glamorgan and Swansea universities say closer cooperation will help Wales create an "innovative and dynamic economy".The colleges estimate that they have a combined annual turnover of almost £1bn and do 95% of all research in Wales. Between them, they account for about 70% of students in higher education in Wales, with more than 50,000 undergraduates and 13,000 postgraduate research posts.
The universities say they are actively examining areas where they can work together strategically in Wales. They have also pledged to drive forward plans to continue investing in new building and construction projects, using local suppliers and businesses where possible.
Full report on the BBC News site