The celebrated British film producer David Puttnam CBE today () officially launched the University of Aberdeen’s continuing professional development enterprise, Prospect CPD.
Around 150 business leaders and academics from throughout Scotland attended the prestigious event at King’s College Conference Centre. Grampian Television news anchor Chris Harvey presented the event as part of the company’s corporate sponsorship for the launch.
Lord Puttnam, who now works principally in the field of education and who advises a number of UK government departments, said that changes to the modern economy have made CPD fundamental to the development of every one of us.
“I am a fervent supporter of CPD, and I'm delighted that this venerable University has acknowledged both its intrinsic worth and its potential for creating a bridge between the world of education and the local community,” he said.
“In this new 'knowledge economy' value resides overwhelmingly in intellectual property rights (IPRs), in human knowledge and intangible goods. In this new economy 'competitive advantage' will increasingly come to mean 'knowledge' advantage.”
The Prospect CPD mission is to be a centre of excellence for the development and provision of continuing professional development opportunities. It represents a core element of the University's strategic commitment to strengthen industry and community links, widen participation and develop innovative teaching methods.
Jane McDonald, Director of Prospect CPD, said: "The launch of Prospect CPD offers an exciting opportunity for the University to build on its existing partnerships with industry and the professions.
"We work with organisations who see people as their most valuable asset to gain competitive advantage in a changing business world. Our approach is grounded on meeting industry needs, on harnessing University expertise and providing learning solutions which are relevant, flexible and customised."
The launch will bring into focus an exciting range of CPD provision from specialist knowledge programmes and training solutions to E-learning, conferences and seminars, and postgraduate training.