The South Australian Business Chamber, South Australia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed last night’s announcement of the amalgamation of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
This significant development has long been advocated by the South Australian Business Chamber, which recommended the investigation of a well-led and governed merger in its submission to the Liberal and Labor parties prior to the last state election.
The Premier is now delivering on his October 2020 policy promise by backing the merger in the first term of a Labor government.
Andrew Kay, the South Australian Business Chamber’s Chief Executive expressed his support for the merger, noting it comes at a critical time for business.
“The shape of the local economy is changing with new industry sectors demanding skills and education on a scale that we have not seen before.
“A university of this size will attract the investment, students and staff required to drive the research and innovation needed to help deliver on the opportunities that are ahead of us,” said Mr Kay.
The merger will strengthen South Australia’s presence in higher education as the largest educator of domestic students in Australia, positioning the newly formed Adelaide University more favourably in global university rankings.
Following recent changes in university ranking methodologies, larger institutions are ranked more favourably, which bodes well for Adelaide University.
“We will now have the opportunity for our Adelaide University to rank closer to large universities in the eastern states. This will help keep our brightest young minds in South Australia, continuing their education pathways here rather than interstate, said Mr Kay.
According to The Times Higher Education University Listing 2023 released this week, the University of Adelaide is ranked #89, the University of South Australia is ranked #326 and Flinders is #380.
“Compared with the University of Melbourne at #14 and the University of Sydney and University of New South Wales ranking a joint #19, it’s apparent South Australia has considerable ground to cover, and a merged university is the first step to bridging the gap,” Mr Kay added.
The South Australian Business Chamber commends the two universities and the State Government for their forward-thinking approach in pursuing this merger and is committed to continuing the collaboration it has enjoyed will all our universities and fostering the ties between education and industry.
MEDIA CONTACT
Anthony Caldwell, Manager – Marketing, Media, Communications
Phone – 0421 508 075
Email – anthony.caldwell@business-sa.com
