Working Group 3: Responding to specific local needs EUA Conference Universities and Society: Engaging Stakeholders
Goddard: “common” situation Mid-size, relatively new university in a medium- sized city Innovative in linking the university its region: assuming socioeconomic responsibility Several ex of univ/industry partnerships at reg’l level Developing strengths in basic research Univ/enterprise satellite groups Proactive, visionary, entrepreneurial EUA Conference Universities and Society: Engaging Stakeholders Case study: University of Aveiro
Research structures and regulatory environment (tax, patents) vary enormously Decisive impact on capacity to develop research Interest in EUA pursuing national comparative analysis, and invesitgation of the diversification of institutions in Europe (univ, univ-colleges, nat’l laboraties, technological service institutions) EUA Conference Universities and Society: Engaging Stakeholders Diverse Structural Environments
Impossible for university to meet all needs of region: Need for strategic decisions Policy can not be harmonised across Europe Begin by self-evaluation and internal dialogue Assessment of regional needs: Support research in areas relevant to regional development: visionary Develop human resource capacity (by educating students through research and community partnerships) EUA Conference Universities and Society: Engaging Stakeholders Strategic Policy Decisions
Difficult to find balance between building upon strengths within the univ, and fostering new areas Way of responding to society needs is educating students through strong disciplinary training and developing flexible, critical thinking skills EUA Conference Universities and Society: Engaging Stakeholders Strategic Policy Decisions II
Develop shared responsibility among actors within university: Students: main stakeholders, vehicles for knowledge transfer to society, ambassadors ex. Society-based learning Professors: medical faculty model, need for strong HR policy, link to promotion Faculty/Dept: efficiently use best researches, adopt broad responsibility EUA Conference Universities and Society: Engaging Stakeholders Examples of Institutional Projects
Develop new institutional initiatives: Project offices Trainee programmes Adult learning courses Shared appointments with industry/univ Adjunct professorships Various approaches appropriate for each discipline EUA Conference Universities and Society: Engaging Stakeholders Examples of Institutional Projects II
Long-term mandate to develop strong research capacity Different models of univ leadership and governance structures influence ability for responsiveness to society Need to attract and support top researchers salary restrictions Difficulties transferring social security benefits ability to provide attractive research environment (RAs, equipment) EUA Conference Universities and Society: Engaging Stakeholders Challenges
Will it be possible for a university to be internationally recognised if it is not locally responsive? Is a central strategy with “special” interfaces needed or a decentralised model promoting individual development? EUA Conference Universities and Society: Engaging Stakeholders Issues for future consideration