Sir, – As presidents of the five technological universities (TUs) in Ireland, we consider it important to clarify fundamental points that arose in the opinion piece by Philip G Altbach and Hans de Wit “In creating new technological universities, did we make a mistake?” (Education, Opinion, September 5th).
The authors describe the fact that the new technological universities can offer doctoral degrees and have a research mission as a major error. These aspects of endeavour are presented as being associated with the awarding of technological university status when, in reality, the antecedent institutes of technology have long had these remits.
In terms of distinctive remit, the Technological Universities Act (2018) defines the mission of the TUs and is different from the legislation governing other universities. This guarantees distinctiveness via diversity of student intake and awards, from apprenticeship to PhD, regional engagement with industry and direct commitment to societal and economic development.
Within the TU Act (2018), TUs are obliged to significantly enhance their research performance to drive innovation within regional enterprise to fulfil their remit to deliver regional growth and sustainability. The creation of the TUs, and the desire for investment in them, aligns with the ambitions of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 to deepen and broaden their impact on the communities they serve and contribute to balanced regional development.
READ MORE
Across higher education, there are universities of different ages, remits, and missions and, as presidents of the TUs, we are clear on our commitment to support learners in higher education through our regional provision to maximise the benefits to society and the economy in ways that continue to retain our distinctive heritage and that differentiate us in a national and international landscape. – Yours, etc,
Prof VERONICA CAMPBELL,
President,
South East
Technological University;
Prof VINCENT CUNNANE,
President,
Technological University
of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest;
Prof MAGGIE CUSACK,
President,
Munster Technological
University;
Prof DAVID FitzPATRICK,
President,
Technological
University Dublin;
Dr ORLA FLYNN,
President,
Atlantic Technological
University.
