The EBI-II Benchmarking Project Approach, methods, outcomes Jeroen Huisman, University of Bath Benchmarking conference, London, July 2011

1. European context: Modernisation of HE Increasing competition Increase institutional autonomy Strategic importance: positioning, branding

Why benchmarking: Benchmarking as strategic improvement tool Providing information for decision-making Provides comparative information on HEIs Gives understanding of how well HEIs perform Looks at universities processes Can help identify strengths/weaknesses Provides a baseline for performance Helps to give ex post evidence of change +/-

Benchmarking and performance improvement: Rooted in quality approach Continually seeking to improve performance Identifying bottlenecks/ weakness in processes Beyond simple compliance with quality standards Optimising processes in universities Involves learning/ refining understanding of how particular processes work

Benchmarking … … is not a well-defined tool-in-the-box … will not (by default) provide institutional benefits … is not a silver bullet for institutional problems … is not only about gathering data … is not to show my university is best

1. Approach: What to benchmark? Four Themes Governance (Gov) Priority: Risk Management Curriculum Reform (CR) Priority: Bologna Reforms University-Enterprise Cooperation (UEC) Priorities: Strategy, knowledge exchange, data collection Life-Long Learning (LLL) Priority: continuous professional development

1. Approach: Who participated ? ~ 50 universities, 11 countries Great differences in size Great differences in experience with strategic tools General format for each topic: preparation, data and benchmarks, action plan Five meetings in two years

2. Methodology Preparation Involve leadership/Senior management Identify strategic need and aims for benchmarking Choose partners Allocate resources Secure commitment

2.Methodology Data and benchmarks Set priorities Example: improve risk management Define targets Example: Improve internal communication, balance long-/short term strategy, develop/refine risk register, etc. Identify relevant criteria (with help from external experts) Legitimacy, decisiveness, transparency, ownership Choose indicators Example: involvement stakeholders, can students/staff speak out? Agree benchmarks

2.Methodology Data and benchmarks Risk: institutional focus too much on short-term strategy Define targets Balance long and short-term strategic planning Identify relevant criteria (with help from external experts) Ownership/accountability Choose indicators The extent to which it is clear who is responsible for the preparation and execution of the decision on the issue at hand. The extent to which it is clear who is accountable for the decision-making and execution (and in which matters). The extent to which it is clear who is responsible for decision-making in this issue Agree benchmarks Satisfaction of most important stakeholders

2.Methodology Change through Action plan Report + summary for Senior management Verify targets Agree business plan Allocate responsibilities Set timeline and milestones Monitor change Follow-up

Process score-card Excellent Good Standard Basic University R&D spend Patents applied Technology transfer policy Licenses Reg. patents Spin-offs Spin-off employment Enterprise cooperation InputProcessOutputOutcomeOverall

3. EBI-II outcomes, experiences Benchmarking is possible, but it is not easy... Participants were enthusiastic Barriers: variety of institutional contexts, broad topic of governance (versus LLL and university-entreprise cooperation), process versus product approach

4. Further information Internationalisation benchmarking, EAIE, 13 September, Copenhagen