1. Converging competences in the EHEA beyond 2010: Policies and Practice
EURASHE.EU
Council of Europe Higher Education Forum
October 2008
Converging competences in the EHEA beyond 2010: Policies and Practice
Lars Lynge Nielsen, President EURASHE

2. October 2008
HE in society
From
Small “Brotherhood of Academics” prepared for a (leading) role in society.
Generic and intellectual competences rather than specific and professional skills.
Search for knowledge exclusively through teaching and research.

3. HE in society To Mass education for a broad section of the population
October 2008
HE in society To
Mass education for a broad section of the population
Specific competences for a well defined labour market
Search for (the basis for) best practice

4. Present challenges for all HEs
October 2008
Present challenges for all HEs
Increased involvement of stakeholders
To provide education from which every level of
society may benefit
To meet conflicting interests of different
stakeholders

5. Relevance of HEs for their stakeholders
October 2008
Relevance of HEs for their stakeholders
Two questions about the service of HEs to society: Relevance and quality.
Short term / long term time perspective
HE (and research) for the public good or for the private good
Quality Assurance involving stakeholders

6. Demands on HE-institutions and HE-programmes
October 2008
Demands on HE-institutions and HE-programmes
Demand for candidates with “new” generic competences for a highly flexible labour market
Demand for new HE-programmes (and professions?)
Diversity of HE in response to diversified needs
Convergence of graduates’ competences – a continuum of skills and knowledge
Transferable competences
A common Qualifications Framework

7. Dilemmas and obstacles
October 2008
Dilemmas and obstacles
Political decisions based on short term objectives and contradictory measures
HEI traditions and self-concept
Change is a slow process that will not take place without the individual and voluntary commitment of all stakeholders.....

8. Thank you for your attention
October 2008
.... so let’s get started
Thank you for your attention