New HEPI Report ‘Preparing for Populism’

HEPI’s new Debate Paper delivers a stark warning: the biggest challenge facing universities today is not funding, but trust.

In Preparing for Populism (HEPI Debate Paper 44), Professor Diana Beech and Edward Venning argue that as populist sentiment rises, public patience with higher education is wearing thin. The sector risks appearing insular and out of touch by relying on familiar arguments about economic impact and graduate earnings – messages that may no longer resonate in a changing political and economic climate.

The paper calls for a fundamental shift in how universities engage with politics and the public. Rather than focusing only on traditional allies, institutions are urged to engage credibly across the full political spectrum, including with more sceptical voices. It sets out a clear three-part framework for rebuilding legitimacy – instrumental, relational and moral – alongside practical proposals to reconnect universities with national priorities, public expectations and democratic debate.

At a critical moment for the future of higher education, this report challenges the sector to rethink how it earns and sustains public support. For those interested in the intersection of politics, public trust and the long-term sustainability of universities, this is essential reading. Click here to access the press release and find a link to the full report.