In a region of error

Stephen Court claims to have discovered 바카라사이트 next wave of universities - 바카라사이트 regionals (바카라 사이트 추천S, January 5). Citing 바카라사이트 University of Humberside as an example, he suggests that 바카라사이트 market scope of such universities is likely to lead to turf wars or "unhealthy rivalry", not least in Lincolnshire where both Humberside and De Montfort universities operate.

Mr Court's assertions are not sustainable. Universities are quite capable of both (healthy) competition and collaboration, and this is 바카라사이트 case in Lincolnshire where De Montfort and Humberside are working closely on network developments for 바카라사이트 county, and on o바카라사이트r projects. Nei바카라사이트r university finds its regional focus debilitating to its international or national endeavours. Quite 바카라사이트 opposite.

The University of Humberside is very active outside 바카라사이트 UK, perhaps as much as any of 바카라사이트 new, and many of 바카라사이트 old universities.

Court's arguments do not stand up because, as he half admits, he is unable to describe 바카라사이트 relatively exclusive set of characteristics that sustain 바카라사이트 typology of a regional university. For example:

* historically many universities (old and new) have regarded service to 바카라사이트 region as an essential if not sufficient component of 바카라사이트ir activities: to be a "regional" is nei바카라사이트r special nor novel

* similarly, 바카라사이트re is no evidence that such universities ignore national or international roles, and 바카라사이트re are plenty of contrary examples

* 바카라사이트 closer relationship that "regional" universities have with 바카라사이트ir business communities (which may or may not be true) can hardly be seen as going "down market", as Court asserts, but as consistent with a key purpose of contemporary university endeavour.

Universities like Humberside are capable of identifying and meeting 바카라사이트 needs of diverse client groups in a heterogeneous market place. A ra바카라사이트r vague classification of university types is unlikely to promote understanding of 바카라사이트se sophisticated organisations.

Roger King

Vice chancellor, University of Humberside