If the same equipment is used for higher education and business training then a remote laboratory could be developed to serve the two, with the development and running costs being shared. Another area for potential collaboration is renting equipment time from industry. Some industries have expensive test equipment that is under-utilised. A remote interface could be developed for the equipment to create a remote laboratory. Universities can then rent time on the equipment.
Single laboratories are only able to meet rather limited and specific learning goals.
There is a great deal of scope for making complete modules available to business via the shared virtual learning environment. For example, a management department might offer modules on business information technology and accounting, a business studies department might offer business law. The design stage must ensure the module s material and presentation is suitable for business training. The additional cost of taking business needs into account at the design stage are low, attempting to adapt an existing module in the SVLE will cost much more. Running costs will be higher if students in business are allowed to start the module at any time, instead of a fixed time in the university calendar.