How to Develop Partnerships Between U. S How to Develop Partnerships Between U.S. and Russian Universities: A Project of the SEE Higher Education Working Group Mark S. Johnson Senior Fellow for Educational Innovation, Office of the Provost Senior Lecturer, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison Social Expertise Exchange (SEE) Webinar, May 2 November 12, 2018

Historical phases of U. S Historical phases of U.S.-Russian relations in higher education and research Top tier: significant state resources into “national champions” (Moscow State University, St Petersburg State University), also into approximately 30 national research universities; “5 – 100” process; Federal universities (consolidated, to revitalize labor markets and drive regional development); now Northern Caucasus, and Crimea; Ongoing alignment with Bologna Process, ECTS, global QA standards; “Triage” of system: closure or consolidation of small, regional HEIs. November 12, 2018

For U.S. participants and partners: systemic reform in Russian higher education Top tier: significant state resources into “national champions” (Moscow State University, St Petersburg State University), also into approximately 30 national research universities; “5 – 100” process; Federal universities (consolidated, to revitalize labor markets and drive regional development); now Northern Caucasus, and Crimea; Ongoing alignment with Bologna Process, ECTS, global QA standards; “Triage” of system: closure or consolidation of small, regional HEIs. November 12, 2018

Changing landscape for partnerships in Russia: Implications for U. S Changing landscape for partnerships in Russia: Implications for U.S. participants and partners? “Golden Age” of U.S. Government and private foundation grant funding is over – must look to other sources, new business models; In 2014-2015 (?), must be attentive to U.S. sanctions, export control issues, potential media or political backlash to U.S.-Russian projects; Rapidly evolving policy environment in Russia – debate not yet settled around partners and funding for “modernization” and “innovation”; Higher expectations for quality and value in exchanges, partnerships? November 12, 2018

Institutional challenges for U. S Institutional challenges for U.S. and Russian partners to foster successful linkages and partnerships Lack of foreign language capacity on both sides – limits cross-cultural understanding, nuanced understanding of professional practices; Need to be wary of unscrupulous recruiters, low-quality HE providers; Lack of administrative capacity on both sides to sustain long-term international partnerships (professional staff, accreditation, contracts) Risks from mismatch between high expectations and low capacities? November 12, 2018

New opportunities for U. S New opportunities for U.S.-Russian partnerships: Time for realism and cautious optimism about future prospects? Continuation of Fulbright and other U.S. opportunities (UPP, etc.); Potential Russian funding for faculty exchanges, research cooperation; Russian funding for graduate fellowships (especially in STEM fields); Cooperation in technology transfer, innovation, entrepreneurship; Use of new online technologies, potential of hybrid-blended courses? November 12, 2018