Future of economics in the spotlight
9 November 2007
There has been a significant and sustained decline in the number of young Scots studying economics at institutions of further and higher education over the past decade. This is the focus of a seminar to be held at the Scottish Parliament on Monday.
The concerning trend emerged during a recent enquiry into the state of economics conducted by the Scottish Economics Society (SES). The trend contrasts with a general increase in participation by students in a wide range of other subjects.
More than 100 school children studying economics from across Scotland will attend the seminar, which is being held by the SES in coordination with Scotland’s Futures Forum.
In secondary schools there has also been a steady drop in the number of students sitting higher economics.
The event will feature renowned speakers in economics and related areas. The opening address on the “Future of the World Economy” will be delivered by Hamish McRae, Deputy Editor of the Independent. Also speaking at the event will be Professor John Sloman, a leading figure in the teaching of economics in the UK and Director of the Economics Network, which supports university teachers of economics across the UK.
Background information on Scotland’s Futures Forum
Scotland’s Futures Forum was created by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in August 2005.
The forum aims to identify key challenges facing the nation and stimulate debate between MSPs, academics, civic society, wealth creators and international organisations on the ways of meeting them.
For more information about Scotland’s Futures Forum see:
www.scotlandfutureforum.org
www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/news/futuresforum_news.htm
Media access
The event is open to media.
Members of the media who wish to attend should contact Kallon Basham on 0131 348 6088 or kallon.basham@scottish.parliament.uk.
The event will be held in Committee Room 2 of the Scottish Parliament and will run from 10am until 4pm on Monday 12 November. Hamish McRae is scheduled to speak at 10.10am and Professor John Sloman will speak at 10.45am.
Photography
Photographs will be available afterwards by contacting Andrew Cowan at the Scottish Parliament’s Media Relations Office on 0131 348 6269 or andrew.cowan@scottish.parliament.uk.
For further information, the Scottish Parliament media contact is:
Kallon Basham: 0131 348 6088
RNID Type talk calls welcome
Email: kallon.basham@scottish.parliament.uk
For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 348 5000
Text phone: 0845 270 0152 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk
|
back to top