Economics, economics, economics

Last night I attended the launch of London Higher's new report on the impact of London's higher education sector on the regional and national economy. And before I go any further, I should say it was a work-related event.

The main draw was the Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, who uttered some warm words of praise along with the chaps from KPMG and the London Development Agency who were on the platform.

The only theme which Clarke kept banging on about was the need for universities to develop partnerships and relationships with business and other sectors - and stop being dependent on Government for largesse. Usual New Labour mantra.

But the fact that business and universities cosying up might compromise HE by focusing on particular areas and neglecting others was ignored - even though like an elephant in the room it was hard to do so.

And the image of the London Eye on the front of one of the pamphlets encouraging students to study here couldn't have been more unfortunate. Today reported this morning a turf war between some of the major shareholders behind the Eye as each tries to gain control of it. Is this a metaphor for the future of HE in London?