The response was prepared by the Education Officer in consultation with the Honorary Secretary with responsibility for education and the Higher Education Committee.

The starting point for the IMA's response is that the Higher Education sector and specifically the mathematical sciences are a key component in redressing the productivity and skills gaps experienced by a science, technology, engineering and mathematics based economy. The mathematical fluency of the UK workforce can be enhanced through a process of variable knowledge transfer whereby all higher education programmes of study reinforce mathematical knowledge and understanding. It is essential that the attractiveness of pursuing a mathematics pathway is promoted. To this end the IMA recommends a dual aspect action plan to popularise mathematics and to establish common usage of mathematician as a noun to describe a person who is an expert in and uses mathematical knowledge and skills in the workplace.

A copy of the Executive Summary is available from the Education Officer.