Transformation and Efficiency in UK Higher Education: What the UUK Taskforce Report Means for University Suppliers

The recent Universities UK (UUK) report, Transformation and Efficiency: Towards a New Era of Collaboration 2025, is a landmark publication for the UK higher education sector. It highlights the urgent need for universities to move beyond short-term cost-cutting and embrace deep, sector-wide transformation to secure a sustainable future.

Key Findings from the UUK Transformation and Efficiency Report 2025

The UUK report reveals the stark reality facing universities:

  • Rising costs and declining investment have led to course closures, reduced research activity, and deferred infrastructure investment.

  • 84% of universities have delayed physical or digital capital projects in the last two years.

  • 49% have already closed courses, with 89% considering further closures within three years.

  • 79% are considering scaling back research activity in the next three years.

To respond, universities must adopt a bold, collaborative approach that goes beyond traditional cost-cutting. The report identifies seven key opportunities to drive this transformation:

  1. Pursuing innovative collaborative structures

  2. Sharing services and infrastructure

  3. Leveraging sector buying power

  4. Supporting digital transformation

  5. Adopting common benchmarking for efficiency

  6. Developing leadership and governance

  7. Creating a more supportive regulatory environment

These recommendations are already shaping universities’ long-term strategies for transformation to 2035 and beyond.

Why the HE Transformation Expo is Essential for Suppliers and Sponsors

The HE Transformation Expo (19-20th November, NEC Birmingham) is the sector’s dedicated platform for turning the UUK report’s recommendations into real action. Senior decision-makers—Vice Chancellors, COOs, and Directors of Transformation, Estates and Digital—will be there to make investment decisions and shape their transformation agendas.

For suppliers and exhibitors, the Expo is your opportunity to:

  1. Align your offer with universities’ urgent transformation needs

  2. Engage with buyers leading multi-million-pound procurement decisions

  3. Demonstrate your solutions in digital transformation, estates renewal, and operational excellence

  4. Build partnerships with universities that are driving change across every core function

The HE Transformation Expo is purpose-built for the sector’s transformation agenda, ensuring that every conversation is directly relevant to the future of UK higher education.

How to Make the Most of the UUK Transformation and Efficiency Report 2025

If your organisation wants to be part of universities’ plans for 2035, you need to understand the insights of the UUK taskforce report. And more importantly, you need to show universities how you can help them deliver on its recommendations.

The Expo offers a unique environment to do just that—where you’re meeting the people with the authority, budgets, and vision to make real change happen.

Don’t Miss Your Opportunity

The UUK Transformation and Efficiency Report 2025 is the sector’s blueprint for change—and the HE Transformation Expo is where those changes become reality.

Be there to connect, collaborate, and secure your place in the future of UK higher education.

Learn more about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities at the HE Transformation Expo:

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