Innovation Economy Mission Yields Partnership Between MA and UK Higher Education Companies

BOSTON, March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of the Massachusetts Innovation Economy Partnership Mission 2011 last week joined Boston-based Eduventures and UK-based i-graduate to announce a new partnership between the two companies that will help colleges and universities expand globally, better serve international students and develop new online academic programs. Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki joined Eduventures' President and CEO Tom Dretler, and leaders from public and private higher education institutions for the signing ceremony in London.

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"Massachusetts has one of the most highly skilled, innovative and entrepreneurial workforces anywhere, thanks to our world-class institutions of higher learning and Governor Patrick's investment in public education," said Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki. "Today's announcement will help increase Massachusetts' knowledge-base and ensure we maintain our leadership position in the growing innovation economy."

Through the partnership, Eduventures will provide its large base of college and university clients in North America with access to i-graduate's unique suite of student journey insight instruments. At the same time, i-graduate's client network in the UK, Europe and Asia will benefit from Eduventures' expertise in online learning and adult education.

"Higher Education is going through a period of tremendous change," said Eduventures' President and CEO Tom Dretler. "The most successful institutions are expanding globally in innovative ways that leverage the latest technology. Together, Eduventures and i-graduate can help colleges and universities increase their reach, achieve their academic missions, and launch new academic programs that meet the educational needs of students around the globe."

"The alliance between i-graduate and Eduventures immediately creates a global network of higher education institutions that can be served by two research companies with complimentary services and shared values," said Will Archer, i-graduate's Company Director and Founder, "It's a win for the higher education sector and our respective firms."

The Massachusetts Innovation Economy Partnership Mission 2011 to the UK explores growth opportunities within the state's innovation-based industries -- technology, life sciences and clean energy -- areas of common interest between Massachusetts and the UK. The mission focuses on business expansion, job growth and collaboration during industry forums, company visits and meetings with UK business leaders and government officials. The Massachusetts delegation arrived in the UK on March 12 and returned to Boston on March 17.

Read more about the Innovation Economy Mission: www.mass.gov/governor/innovationmission.

About Eduventures

Eduventures, Inc., based in Boston, MA, USA, is a research and consulting firm with deep expertise in higher education. Through its Learning Collaboratives and Consulting Division, the company works with senior leaders at higher education institutions to drive enrollments, raise funds, optimize the academic portfolio, and operate more efficiently. For more information, visit www.eduventures.com.

About i-graduate

The International Graduate Insight Group (i-graduate), based in Redhill, Surrey, UK, is an independent benchmarking and consultancy service, working to enable positive change in the education sector. It specializes in the delivery of world-class insight tools and studies for stakeholders in education. i-graduate develops partnerships with institutions, governments and education organizations and provides innovative insights and intelligence. For more information, visit www.i-graduate.org.

CONTACT:  Jessica Selchan, (617) 532-6062, [email protected]

SOURCE Eduventures, Inc.