Leaders of tomorrow want more from business today

The Future Leaders Survey surveyed over 25,000 university applicants for 2007-08 to find out how they expect the world to change, what they really want in the future, and where they think action is needed. A startling 78% of respondents believe serious change is needed if society is going to survive into the next century. The survey revealed that when it comes to work the youth of today have major concerns about career development, the work/life balance and job security. Topping the list of important issues is having a job they find interesting (82%), closely followed by being able to spend time with their family (68%), and owning their own homes (46%). However despite these important issues the leaders of tomorrow are still concerned about the future of the world itself. They believe that the price of oil will be prohibitively expensive (89%), climate change will be affecting their lives (85%), and that there will be a rise in the frequency of natural disasters (80%). More than half (53%) believe a nuclear weapon will have been used. Given these views it’s hardly surprising that 78% of respondents believe change is needed. Only 16% think that the government is doing ‘a lot’ to bring about change, compared to an alarming 6% for business. Less than a quarter (23%) agree that Gordon Brown is genuinely committed to tackling climate change. For David Cameron the figure is 22%. Legislation seems to be favoured as a means of delivering change. A surprising 49% think personal carbon quotas would benefit society; 86% support the reduction of material consumption; and 40% think a tax on air travel would benefit society, but only 16% plan to avoid taking a flight for environmental reasons. Commenting on the findings, Peter Madden, chief executive of Forum for the Future said: “This generation of students has a heavy burden to bear. They’re the first to be fully aware of the damage that human beings are doing to the planet and the last with a chance to save it. That’s quite some burden, but one that our future leaders seem confident they can carry.” Anthony McClaran, chief executive of UCAS – said: “This survey provides a fascinating insight into university applicants and their hopes and fears for the future. It’s a timely reminder to everyone working in the higher education sector of the importance that students place on the delivery of the tools and resources needed to continue to secure a sustainable future.”