International Aspects of the European Research Agenda Lesley Wilson EUA Secretary General Monash University 15 November 2007

…2… I. Introduction to EUA Created as a result of a merger in 2001 Nearly 800 Members in 46 countries Individual members: doctorate-granting institutions Collective members: 34 National rectors’ conferences Associate and affiliate members Goals: Represent the sector - shape policy developments Strengthen the sector - through institutional development activities

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…4… 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 Website Newletters Brussels lobbying etc. 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

…5… The different roles of EUA 1. Policy – representing universities at European level 1.In the Bologna process 2.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 researchers Impacting 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

…6… 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 implementation Doctoral programmes and ‘doc careers’ Open Access to scientific publications Transparent costing of universities, starting from externally funded research activities ‘Responsible partnering’ with industry

…7… II. The European Policy Framework (1) Higher Education remains predominantly a national responsibility Bologna process Bologna process: A large Europe (46 countries) looking for convergence through common structures and tools The EU 27’s Lisbon Strategy The EU 27’s Lisbon Strategy : A smaller Europe with ambitious economic and social goals - a focus on research and a wider societal transformation process Limited EU responsibility for Higher Education but growing competence in relation to research

…8… 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 years European structural & social funds can now be used for promoting research & innovation, i.e. for modernising HE “Money follows research”/portability of grants Key role of universities > their role in doctoral education, research training & in promoting interdisciplinarity Broad consensus on a “Modernisation agenda” for universities – European Commission & stakeholders

…9… 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

…10… 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”

…11… 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 play Joint degrees becoming increasingly popular among European universities International 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

…12… 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 way Provide responses to shared concerns as well as complementary expertise Share good practice and learn from one another Raise the collective profile of members, be it at regional national or international level

…13… III.5 - Challenges of building successful networks To identify focus in line with institutional mission & strategic interests To 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 differences To balance cooperation & competition between the partners To develop good & regular communication among the members..

…14… 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..

…15… The EUA Secretariat in Brusselswww.eua.be