The Future of Public Administration, Teaching and Research in the North East

Elliott, Ian and Johnston, Lorraine (2019) The Future of Public Administration, Teaching and Research in the North East. In: The North East After Brexit: Impact and Policy. Emerald, pp. 175-189. ISBN 9781839090127

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Abstract

The North East has five universities: Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Teeside and Sunderland as well as over twenty colleges. The five universities in the region employ over 14,000 staff and generate another 15,000 jobs through their activities (Universities UK 2014). In total their activities generate Gross Value Added (GVA) of nearly £1.6 billion, equivalent to 3.8% of the total 2011 North East GVA (ibid 2014). This is higher than in any other region of England meaning that any threat to the UK university sector represents a disproportionately greater threat to the North-East economy.

This chapter will look specifically at the opportunities and threats for teaching and research of public administration within the North East as a consequence of Brexit. Potential threats include the impact of any reduction in European funding (particularly research funding); reduction in the number of European students and reduction in the number of European staff working at universities in the North East. It is also noted that any wider economic uncertainty caused by Brexit may lead to further reductions in government spending. At the same time there may be opportunities that arise for public administration teaching as a consequence of Brexit. For example, any change in the status of the UK in Europe may lead to calls for a greater regional focus in England. There may also be a greater need for public policy and administration at all levels – national, regional and local – which would require significant development of staff across all areas of public services. The need for widespread workforce development would be heightened by any reduction in European staff working in UK public service organisations.

The chapter concludes by making the case for greater collaboration in teaching and research across UK and European universities and notes that, irrespective of the final result of Brexit, pan-European research and teaching of public administration seems needed now more than ever. Northumbria University has a unique place within the North-East region as a centre of expertise in public administration and public leadership, to address these threats and respond to any opportunities.

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