1. EXPANDING EUROPE – JUBILEE RECTORS’ CONFERENCE, Pécs, October 13, 2010 A New Cultural Environment in the European Higher Education Area: Degree equivalence as a driving force for the international labor market. University of Maribor Rector Prof. Ivan Rozman, PhD

2. Danube Region http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/cooperation/danube/index_en.htm Danube Region: Germany (Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria), Austria, Slovak Republic, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Romania, Bulgaria, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

3. The Example of the Danube Region The Danube River Basin is a diverse and complex macro-region, consisting of 14 different countries and bringing together different: cultures religions historical backgrounds opportunities for industrial and economic development political systems and models of government different approaches to EU policy (8 members of the Danube Region are EU Member States, 6 are not.)

4. The diversity of countries located in the Danube Region is both a challenge and an obstacle for developing a common policy. In the Danube Region, there are approximately 280 state universities, which demonstrate enormous potential and the need to develop a common strategy on higher education.

5. The Mission of Modern Universities University policy arts science - RDI study programs

6. In 1088, the first university in Europe, the Alma Mater Studiorum in Bologna was established, combining classical arts of grammar, rhetoric and logic. In 1999, Bologna provided all European universities with common principles, and it has thus profoundly influenced higher education in Europe in a crucial moment of becoming part of the globalization process. The complexity of the current situation requires universities to find new ways of expression and functioning between traditional values and the awareness of changes and needs of the modern society. Mission statements of several universities already indicate changes in the profile of modern HE institutions and their tendency to cover a wider spectrum of the needs of society.

7. Cooperation Schemes of Universities University Networks Mobility Programs Research, Development and Innovation Funding Programs Mechanisms of an Innovative Environment EUA DRC National Rectors’ conferences Alpine-Adriatic universities Uneecc Leonardo da Vinci Erasmus 7FP People (Euraxess: EU, Japan, USA) Territorial Cooperation Programs (Alpine Space, Central Europe, South East Europe and Mediterranean cooperation programs) 7 FP Eureka, Eurostars, Era Net … Science Parks Technology Parks Technology Transfer Offices University Incubators

8. International Labor Market (new) working posts in (inter)national economy competitive advantage as a result of cooperation between universities and the economy study program development, student exchange, work placements… research – development – innovation projects human resources (alumni ) University Networks Mobility Programs Research, Development and Innovation Funding Programs Mechanisms of an Innovative Environment new, innovative technologies, products, services impact taxes money and other forms of benefits enhancing university – economy RDI cooperation enhancing university – economy RDI cooperation funding - public calls

9. COOPERATION & COMPETITION In higher education, both international cooperation and competition are of the utmost importance. joint degree programs organization of joint lectures participating in parts of the study programs visiting professors and researchers international labor market (head hunters, brain drain …) international ranking

10. JOINT DEGREE PROGRAMS Important manner of cooperation in higher education. Degree equivalences and basic principles of the Bologna declaration in all study programs should be provided when creating joint degree programs. Due to different national legislation, we encounter numerous administrative barriers.

11. University Rankings recognized and traditional universities VS newly established universities It’s difficult to establish strong and stable connections between these universities. In terms of common projects, study programs and bilateral exchanges, universities with similar ranking positions are cooperating more easily. Rankings are important in order to identify universities’ strengths and weaknesses, facilitating reforms and launching new initiatives. Every university is aiming at an internal monitoring system of excellence and quality.

12. Based on the positive response to the Report on Merit Rating Indicators at Faculties of the University of Maribor for the period 2003-2006, the University of Maribor has decided to revalue the merit rating of UM members for the period 2004-2008. Negative outcomes should act as an incentive to achieve better results, while positive ones should present a challenge of getting to the top (compare & competition). ranking brand name greater knowledge better jobs higher salaries

13. ARWU - Academic Ranking of World Universities -founded and compiled by the Shanghai Jiaotong University -comparing 1200 higher education institutions worldwide -since 2003 THE - Times Higher Education (formerly THES The Times Higher Education Supplement) -weekly London-based magazine and United Kingdom's leading higher education news publication for World Higher Education -magazine since 1971, Times Higher Education World University Rankings since 2004 CHE - Centre for Higher Education Development -most comprehensive and detailed ranking of higher education institutions (HEIs) in German-speaking countries -comparing 132 universities in 154 other higher education institutions (Fachhochschulen) -since 1998 Webometrics -since 2004 -comparing 20,000 higher education institutions Most Famous Academic Rankings

14. Cultural, religious, economic and other obstacles present a challenge not only in the globalized world (Europe) but also in various regions. In order to overcome these barriers, we must ACCEPT, UNDERSTAND and RESPECT each other. Conclusion