The last decade has seen significant changes in the interaction between publicly funded higher education institutions and the private sector. This has led not only to collaborations between the public and the private sectors but also to the public higher education sector seeking to learn from and, in some instances, to replicate the private sector's business structures and operations. This policy commentary sets out the views of Eversheds LLP as to how those trends may continue to develop over the next few years. In some instances, the changes may happen quite soon, while others are more long-term and will depend upon the direction of government policy. Where the phrase "private sector" is used in this paper it covers those parts of the economy not primarily funded by the public purse. (Contains 4 diagrams.) [This paper was co-produced with Eversheds LLP.]