Recommendation 88

In relation to the impact on Scotland, Royal Society of Edinburgh Fellows told us that: The UK leaving the Erasmus+ programme is regrettable and will adversely affect both students and staff through the loss of two-way mobility. This impact will be felt particularly keenly in Scotland due to the higher take up of the scheme relative to population compared to other nations of the UK. While the Erasmus scheme is highly valuable in terms of enhancing the skills and capacity of all students who participate, regardless of discipline, it has a particular importance for linguistic and cultural capacity that offers an essential resource to the Scottish economy and society in a globalised world. [ … ] the Turing scheme is not a genuine exchange programme comparable with Erasmus+, with greater numbers leaving the UK under the Turing scheme than will enter to participate in its Higher Education institutions. The Turing scheme will require long-term commitment and financial 204 “New Turing scheme to support thousands of students to study and work abroad”, HM Government, 26 December 2020 205 “Why has the UK ditched participation in Erasmus+?”, University World News, 1 January 2021 206 “UUK response on Turing Scheme for students to work and study abroad”, Universities UK, 26 December 2020 Universities and Scotland 37 support from the UK Government to provide certainty to institutions, staff and students, especially when Erasmus+ has operated as a seven-year programme.207