Analysis: There is an opportunity here and we must advance from our position of strength

We are starting from a position of extraordinary strength. Scotland has more universities in the world's top 200 than France, we are rated second in the world for the influence of our research and we are achieving 85 per cent student satisfaction. That's not an accident.

It is based on a powerful combination of universities' responsiveness and enterprise, sustained public investment with proportionate accountability.

And it is also based on well-tested governance models which safeguard universities' autonomy and academic freedom while ensuring that decisions are taken by governing bodies in which the staff and student voice is well represented.

To put this in figures, on average around 40 per cent of university court members are elected by university staff or represent students and alumni. Another 48 per cent are "lay" members, the people from wider society who bring their diverse expertise in business, public service or the voluntary sector.

Only 9 per cent of the members of governing bodies are from universities' management teams.

My experience, from a previous role, is that taking issues to a university court is daunting but stimulating, as a vast range of experience and perspective is brought to bear on the issues under discussion.

Let's also consider this in an international context. Successful world-class university sectors - whether in Scotland, the US, or Australia - are characterised by autonomous governance where governing bodies have the capacity to take tough decisions when needed.

Nations where this isn't the case - as for instance some of continental Europe - struggle to realise the full contribution which universities can make to their economies and society.

Are there constructive ideas for improvement?

Let's hear them and consider whether they can help universities in our ambitions to help build a confident, successful outward-looking Scotland.

• Alastair Sim is director of Universities Scotland