Jisc Company Profile

Background

Overview

Jisc is a UK-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to championing the use of digital technologies in higher education, further education, and research. Established on 1 April 1993 as the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), it rebranded to Jisc in 2012. The organization provides a range of digital services and solutions, including network and IT services, digital resources, and expert advice, to support the educational and research sectors in the UK. Its headquarters are located in Bristol, with additional offices in London, Manchester, and Oxford. The current CEO is Heidi Fraser-Krauss, who joined in September 2021 from the University of Sheffield.

Mission and Vision

Jisc's mission is to enable people in higher education, further education, and skills in the UK to perform at the forefront of international practice by fully exploiting the possibilities of modern digital empowerment, content, and connectivity. Its vision is for the UK to be the most digitally advanced higher education, further education, and research nation in the world.

Industry Significance

As a central body in the UK's educational and research landscape, Jisc plays a pivotal role in providing shared digital infrastructure, negotiating sector-wide deals, and offering expert advice on digital technology, thereby facilitating digital transformation and innovation within the sector.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Digital Infrastructure: Developing and maintaining critical digital infrastructure, such as the Janet Network, to support high-speed connectivity for educational and research institutions.

Cost Efficiency: Negotiating sector-wide deals with IT vendors and commercial publishers to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies for member institutions.

Expert Advisory: Providing trusted advice on digital technology, cybersecurity, and data management to empower institutions in their digital transformation journeys.

Areas of Specialization

Cybersecurity: Offering cybersecurity products and services to protect educational and research institutions from digital threats.

Data Analytics: Providing data analytics services to support evidence-based decision-making within the sector.

Cloud Services: Offering cloud services to enhance the scalability and flexibility of digital resources for institutions.

Key Technologies Utilized

High-Speed Networks: Operating the Janet Network, the UK's national research and education network, to provide high-speed connectivity.

Digital Resources: Managing digital resources such as the Archives Hub and Library Hub to support research and learning.

Cybersecurity Solutions: Implementing cybersecurity measures to safeguard digital infrastructures within the sector.

Primary Markets Targeted

Higher Education Institutions: Universities and colleges across the UK.

Further Education Colleges: Colleges offering vocational education and training.

Research Institutions: Organizations engaged in academic and scientific research.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Jisc operates as a not-for-profit organization, primarily funded by the UK government and member institutions. In 2024, Jisc reported a turnover of £148.66 million, an increase of £2.73 million (2%) from the previous year. The organization employed approximately 1,289 people, reflecting a 10% increase in its workforce. Total assets stood at £197.92 million, with net assets of £139.44 million, indicating a strong financial position.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details regarding recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed, as Jisc is a not-for-profit entity primarily funded through government allocations and membership fees.

Notable Investors

As a not-for-profit organization, Jisc does not have traditional investors. Its funding comes from government bodies and member institutions within the education and research sectors.

Utilization of Capital

The capital is utilized to develop and maintain digital infrastructure, negotiate sector-wide deals, and provide expert advisory services to support the digital transformation of educational and research institutions across the UK.

Pipeline Development

Key Initiatives

Govroam Service: Jisc is developing the Govroam service to provide seamless roaming connectivity across public sector locations, building on the success of the eduroam service in the education sector.

Cloud Services Expansion: Through the GÉANT Open Clouds for Research Environments (OCRE) project, Jisc has secured the UK Amazon Web Services (AWS) reseller position, aiming to accelerate cloud adoption in the UK research community.

Anticipated Milestones

Govroam Deployment: The Govroam service is expected to be rolled out across various public sector locations in the UK, enhancing connectivity for mobile workforces.

Cloud Services Adoption: The partnership with AWS is anticipated to lead to increased cloud adoption among UK research institutions, facilitating innovation and collaboration.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Janet Network: A high-speed network infrastructure providing connectivity for UK educational and research institutions.

Govroam: A service offering seamless roaming connectivity across public sector locations, building on the eduroam framework.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Analytics: Utilizing data analytics to support evidence-based decision-making within the education and research sectors.

Cybersecurity Measures: Implementing cybersecurity solutions to protect digital infrastructures from threats.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Heidi Fraser-Krauss: Chief Executive Officer since September 2021, previously at the University of Sheffield.

Andy Powell: Chief Technology Officer, responsible for overseeing technological strategies and innovations.

Jay Ghadiali: Executive Director, Customer and Sector Enablement, focusing on customer engagement and sector development.

Liam Earney: Executive Director, Digital Resources, managing digital resource strategies and initiatives.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for digital services in education and research is growing, with increasing demand for high-speed connectivity, digital resources, and cybersecurity solutions. Jisc's role as a central body in the UK's educational and research landscape positions it uniquely to meet these needs.

Competitor Analysis

Jisc operates in a niche market with few direct competitors. However, organizations such as Eduserv and HECSU have overlapping services in digital infrastructure and educational support. The competitive landscape is characterized by collaboration and partnerships rather than direct competition.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Notable Collaborations

Research Solutions Partnership: In July 2024, Jisc partnered with Research Solutions to enhance the accessibility of Scite's AI platform for UK higher education and research institutions, aiming to advance research quality through ethical AI technology.

AWS Reseller Agreement: Jisc secured the UK AWS reseller position on the GÉANT Open Clouds for Research Environments (OCRE) Cloud Framework, facilitating cloud adoption in the UK research community.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Jisc's strategic focus on digital infrastructure, cost efficiency, and expert advisory services enables it to maintain a strong position in the market. Its collaborative approach and partnerships with key stakeholders enhance its capacity to drive digital transformation within the education and research sectors.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Future Business Directions

Expansion of Digital Services: Continuing to develop and expand digital services to meet the evolving needs of educational and research institutions.

International Collaboration: Engaging in international partnerships to share best practices and enhance the global impact of UK education and research.

Opportunities for Expansion

Cloud Services: Leveraging the AWS partnership to expand cloud service offerings to a broader range of institutions.

Cybersecurity Solutions: Enhancing cybersecurity services to address the growing digital threats faced by educational and research institutions.

Positioning for Future Objectives

Jisc's established infrastructure, expertise, and strategic partnerships position it well to achieve its future objectives and continue to lead in the digital transformation of education and research.