UK universities need to make better use of technology or risk losing their pre-eminent standing in global education, according to research for education body Jisc.

The study, carried out by think-tank Demos, suggests that higher education must better use IT to support education and reach out to potential students.

The sector is under increasing pressure to cut costs, but investment in technology to support new methods of learning is an opportunity that universities must take, says The Edgeless University report.

“Technology is changing universities as they become just one source among many for ideas, knowledge and innovation. But online tools and open access also offer the means for their survival,” says the report.

“Universities can use technology to offer more flexible provision and open more equal routes to higher education and learning.”

The report cites examples such as the use of social media to reach a greater number of students; and e-learning to make information, skills and research available beyond the traditional campus.

"The UK is a leading force in the delivery of higher education and its universities and colleges have been punching well above their weight for some time. Safeguarding this reputation means we have to fight harder to stay ahead of developments in online learning and social media, and embracing the Web 2.0 world,” said Malcolm Read, executive secretary for Jisc.

“This is a great opportunity for UK universities and colleges to open up and make learning more accessible to students who would not traditionally stay on in education. 'Edgeless universities' can transform the way the UK delivers, shares and uses the wealth and quality of information its institutions own.”

UK universities currently make up four of the top 10 institutions worldwide.