Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, discusses the crucial role of elite institutions in boosting the UK’s economy. She highlights the challenges of dwindling PhD funding and its potential impact on attracting global talent. Cambridge's expansion is explored, revealing issues like local housing affordability. Prentice also addresses the balance between investing in established universities versus supporting underdeveloped areas, emphasizing the importance of diversity initiatives in attracting talent from varied backgrounds.