Should the UK capital’s higher ed institutions be ‘Londonmaxxing’?

Last week, Sadiq Khan joined forces with the capital’s universities, conservatoires, specialist institutions and research centres to make the case for London as the higher education capital of the world.

The campaign kicked off with an event at University College London to launch a new publication from London Higher, the voice of the capital’s higher education sector, which highlights the ways in which London combines scale, diversity and excellence of higher education unmatched among its global peers.

Speaking at the event, Tory Peer and chair of the APPG for London, Lord Kulveer Ranger, pointed out that London offers “world class” experiences in many areas that “we don’t shine a light on”.

If London institutions do not “do Londonmaxxing”, he suggested, other prominent cities around the world will continue to highlight all that they have to offer – potentially at the UK capital’s expense.

“[Other cities] champion what they have, and it’s our job to champion what we have, especially when it’s so good,” he said.

Meanwhile, future phases of the campaign will examine international student competitiveness, the sector’s contribution to economic growth and the policy conditions needed to support world-leading industries including life sciences and the creative economy.

The capital is home to more students and higher education institutions than international competitors like New York City, Boston and Singapore, while its universities generate economic activity, research breakthroughs and skilled graduates that support communities and industries around the UK and across the globe.

A strong higher education sector in London helps the whole country succeed. Every year our universities open doors for hundreds of thousands of students while supporting jobs, driving growth and strengthening the UK’s place on the world stageSadiq Khan, Mayor of London

In a foreword to the publication, Khan describes London’s higher education sector as a critical national asset, helping to drive growth, opportunity and international influence for the UK. The publication shows that:

London is the world’s leading higher education city by scale, diversity and global influence.

The capital combines a concentration of universities, specialist institutions and research centres found nowhere else on earth.

London’s higher education institutions contribute more to the UK economy than the Premier League and employ more people than Sainsbury’s nationwide.

The benefits generated by London’s higher education sector extend well beyond the capital through research collaboration, graduate talent, business creation and international investment.

Professor Shitij Kapur, chair of London Higher and vice-chancellor and president of King’s College London, called the capital’s higher education sector “one of the UK’s greatest strategic assets”.

“As a global city, London competes for talent, research and investment with the world’s leading centres of education and innovation. The strength of our higher education sector helps ensure the UK remains competitive, connected and influential on the world stage.

“But global leadership is never permanent. Cities around the world are investing heavily in higher education and innovation. If the UK wants to remain internationally competitive, we must continue to nurture the conditions that allow London’s universities and research institutions to thrive.”

Khan said: “London’s universities are among the very best in the world. They open doors for people from every background while leading the way in research and breakthroughs in areas such as life sciences and AI, where London’s leading the way.

“A strong higher education sector in London helps the whole country succeed. Every year our universities open doors for hundreds of thousands of students while supporting jobs, driving growth and strengthening the UK’s place on the world stage. That’s why higher education is such an important part of building a fairer and more prosperous London for everyone.”