The interdependence of education and industry is now widely recognised. By working together, maximum benefit can be gained from the contribution that each makes to the community. Partnership with industry enables education to reflect modern technological society more closely. It also provides opportunities for teachers to add an extra dimension to their own knowledge and experience and to enhance their teaching with appropriate examples and applications from industry.
Students also benefit by gaining insights into the world of work, business and commerce.
Increasing opportunities are arising for those in education and industry to work together in planning the curriculum and in the development of management skills. In this way, industrialists an obtain a greater understanding of what is taught in schools, and schools can take advantage of industry's experience. As a consequence of this collaboration, a more positive image of industry and the world of work should be promoted. As a professional organisation concerned with science education, it is important that the Association maintains a high profile in the area of industrial links and partnerships. It has much to offer interested industries and is an obvious forum for the development of mutual understanding and co-operation between industry and science education.