The economic case for flexible learning: Main findings and policy recommendations

As the UK’s economy grows, in the context of global change, the needs of employers, employees and learners will also change. For the UK to prosper economically, compete internationally, and reduce economic disparities, the UK’s skills base will need to be responsive and meet these changing needs. More flexible learning approaches have the potential to help address current and future skills shortages and/or mismatches. In December 2017, Universities UK commenced work on a project to examine how the UK’s productivity could be improved through greater flexible learning opportunities in higher education. The project would identify the main issues, covering perspectives from learners, providers and employers, and develop policy recommendations. This briefing sets out the main findings of the project and the policy recommendations.