As nations meet the challenges of an increasingly volatile global economy, higher and tertiary education is under huge pressure from world governments to drive economic growth. Some governments are responding by increasing their investment in education, research and skills. Others are significantly reducing theirs, looking instead to the beneficiaries - business and students - to pay a much greater share. The opening plenary takes the form of a global discussion between influential panellists from across the world. They will give their views on who the investors in education are, what they contribute - and what they expect in return. To what extent do those who pay, also set the agenda - and does the economic driver now outweigh all others in that agenda? How does this impact on the purpose and work of institutions? And how do the key 'investors' see each other and their respective roles and agendas?

The panel will set the scene for the conference, giving their perspectives on the major questions for debate.