How we work within the universities, education and skills sector


HIE’s universities, education and skills team work to optimise the University, Education and Skills system in Scotland to support the growth and upskilling of our current and future workforce; the innovative capacity of our businesses and sectors; and the attractiveness of our region at local, regional, national and international levels to people, communities and businesses.


HIE's objectives for the universities, education and skills sector:


  1. 1. To increase the number of students studying in our region with a focus on retention and attracting young talent into the Highlands and Islands, to address our demographic imbalance
  3. 2. To work with partner agencies to develop a skilled workforce in our region ready to respond to the needs of our key industries.

  4. 3. To oversee the implementation of the HIE-led Talent Attraction Strategy, working closely with the Convention of the Highlands and Islands

  5. 4. To support the development of location specific Campuses in the region. 

  6. 5. To deliver a regional wide Science Skills Academy

  7. 6. To support the development and growth of the University of the Highlands and Islands – focusing on knowledge exchange, research and entrepreneurial activity

  8. 7. To optimise university engagement with businesses and communities to create a stronger culture of innovation and commercialisation

  9. 8. To increase the number of universities that have either a location or deliver projects/activities in the region

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