International Aspects of the European Research Agenda

Lesley WilsonEUA Secretary General

Monash University15 November 2007

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I. Introduction to EUA

Created as a result of a merger in 2001Nearly 800 Members in 46 countries Individual members: doctorate-granting

institutionsCollective members: 34 National rectors’

conferencesAssociate and affiliate members

Goals:Represent the sector - shape policy developments Strengthen the sector - through institutional

development activities

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How do Universities benefit from EUA ?

Information and exchange of good practice between members

Policy Forum:Voice of the universities

at European level-Bologna -

- European Research Area -

Communication:Publications

WebsiteNewletters

Brussels lobbyingetc.

Member Services

Institutional Evaluation Programme (IEP)

Participating in pilot projects e.g. Joint Masters, Quality Culture : working together, sharing good practice

Annual Conferences, specialised workshops & seminars for HE leaders & managers

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The different roles of EUA1. Policy – representing universities at

European level

1. In the Bologna process2. On a broad range of research policy issues

Advocating for the inclusion of universities as partners at European level, e.g. the debate on the EIT Taking the initiative on doctoral programme reform with a focus on career development for young researchersImpacting upon the 7th EU Research Framework Programme: content & guidelines governing the participation of universities (procedures & cost support models) Following closely the work of the European Research Council (ERC)Promoting university/industry collaboration & knowledge transfer – “responsible partnering” guidelines

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2. Service & support to members

Through projects involving members working together in networks – to promote mutual learning, increase expertise & provide a basis for policy e.g.Quality, quality culture & creativity issues Joint degrees & their implementationDoctoral programmes and ‘doc careers’Open Access to scientific publicationsTransparent costing of universities, starting

from externally funded research activities ‘Responsible partnering’ with industry

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II. The European Policy Framework (1)

Higher Education remains predominantly a national Higher Education remains predominantly a national responsibilityresponsibility

Bologna processBologna process: A large Europe (46 countries) looking for convergence through common structures and tools

The EU 27’s Lisbon StrategyThe EU 27’s Lisbon Strategy : A smaller Europe with ambitious economic and social goals - a focus on research and a wider societal transformation processLimited EU responsibility for Higher Education but growing competence in relation to research

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II. The European Policy Framework 2.- The European Research Area

The revised Lisbon agenda – push for excellence in research & innovation – focus on researcher careers, the European Research Council (ERC) but also the European Institute of Technology ..The 7th Framework Programme – 2007/2013, over € 50 billion incl. the ERC with increased funding over 7 yearsEuropean structural & social funds can now be used for promoting research & innovation, i.e. for modernising HE“Money follows research”/portability of grantsKey role of universities > their role in doctoral education, research training & in promoting interdisciplinarityBroad consensus on a “Modernisation agenda” for universities – European Commission & stakeholders

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III. - The importance of Internationalisation – 1. The 7th Research Framework Programme

Why?To support EU competitiveness - cooperation and competition in a global world To enhance the production of knowledge and promote synergies globally To address specific research questions of common interest

How?Increased scope of international actions (€180 Mio)“Cooperation” – research theme oriented cooperation“People” – Marie Curie ‘international incoming fellowships’“Capacities” – horizontal support“Ideas” – European Research Council – 1st call: ‘independent researchers’ (April 07) – enormous response

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III. 2 - The growing importance of internationalisation

for European universities

Universities - traditionally international but new approaches to internationalisation required given the growing cost of research, globalisation & growing competition, also from new providers

etc.. Implementing the Bologna process, the European Research

Area,

The challenge – to remain a driving force for internationalisation universities need to rethink their role & develop specific profiles & portfolios – this requires more autonomy & a discussion on funding > “modernisation agenda”

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III. 3 - Rethinking internationalisation: key elements

The growing importance of networks, alliances & partnerships – to achieve critical mass in research, build innovation potential with partners etc.. Graduate education has a critical role to playJoint degrees becoming increasingly popular among European universitiesInternational quality evaluations, accreditation etc.. Requires building an internationalisation strategy at institutional level that corresponds to role, profile & ambitions as well as Coping with faculties’ autonomy Combining top down & bottom up approaches ie making the

most of the contacts of individual researchers Removing obstacles to mobility

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III. 4 - The growing importance of networks -

In response to new challenges (& policy demands)

Globalisation & rapid technological developments Competition for students, researchers, resources & prestige

In order to:

Enhance capacity in research & innovation..Enable universities to build critical mass in a manageable wayProvide responses to shared concerns as well as complementary expertiseShare good practice and learn from one anotherRaise the collective profile of members, be it at regional national or international level

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III.5 - Challenges of building successful networks

To identify focus in line with institutional mission & strategic interestsTo be effective in representing needs of diverse membership while maximising the combined potential of all To identify clear objectives & to divide tasks between different partners To bridge inter-institutional & intercultural differencesTo balance cooperation & competition between the partnersTo develop good & regular communication among the members..

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Working together with Universities Australia – possible areas of collaboration -

From our discussions this week as a starting point..Strengthen cooperation on doctoral programmes & look for support for more & better funded ‘jointly badged’ PhDs (example of co-tutelle arrangements etc.) Global platform already exists – ‘Banff principles’ (09/07)

Seek to facilitate joint research collaboration – by identifying possible structural obstacles? Use the funding opportunities available through the Framework Programme, the next phase of Erasmus Mundus that will also support joint doctorates etc..

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The EUA Secretariat in Brussels

www.eua.bewww.eua.be