The so-called sector dimensioning does not reflect the needs of the business community, and therefore, DI believes the government and the political parties involved in the agreement should return to the negotiating table to find a better solution. In a press release, the business organization states that the university reform has “gone completely off track.”
DI cannot support
The political agreement on a new university reform from June 2023 was initially praised by DI for its intentions. The organization highlighted the potential in the new vocational master’s programs and the opportunity to admit more international students.
– We were pleased with the strong ambition to closely link university education with the business sector, making the programs even more relevant. But now there is a plan to cut study places without considering what the labor market needs. Therefore, DI cannot support the current agreement. The parties involved must return to the negotiating table, says Lars Sandahl Sørensen, CEO of DI.
Decline in technical education
For years, the business community has urged young people to pursue technical and natural sciences education. This year’s admissions showed that a record number of applicants chose precisely these programs. But already this year, many have been rejected due to dimensioning from previous agreements.
This means that there is a one percent decline in the number of admissions to technical programs, even though we see an 11 percent increase in the number of applications. The sector dimensioning agreement means that even fewer can be admitted next year.
– It’s completely nonsensical. The agreement has gone off track in relation to the original intention. The involvement of us business representatives has so far been empty words, he says.
Fears 4,000 fewer places
The sector dimensioning agreement, which is part of the major university reform, suggests cutting 2,700 places in university bachelor’s programs. But based on this year’s admissions, DI fears that number could end up being around 4,000 fewer study places from next year.
– Danish business needs more – not fewer – highly educated and in-demand graduates. The current agreement on sector dimensioning does not take into account the needs of the business community, and the consequences of this policy could be serious for Denmark’s future growth and welfare, says Lars Sandahl Sørensen.
– The Ministry of Finance itself estimates that Denmark will become a poorer country in the long term as a result of sector dimensioning. This makes the agreement even more incomprehensible, he points out.
Wants reform rethought
DI urges the government and the political parties involved to ensure that sector dimensioning is removed as quickly as possible, so universities do not unnecessarily continue working on the cuts, and the overall university reform is revisited.
– We want development and growth. Therefore, we encourage the reform to be rethought and adapted to reality. We are ready to take responsibility for developing a strong education system that matches the needs of the business sector, but we will not support the current implementation, which DI sees as dismantling rather than developing, concludes Lars Sandahl Sørensen.
