Exploring the social dimensions of the EHEA and clarifying the content of considering higher education a public good Eric Froment European University Association Athens 19 February 2003

European Universities are constantly working at three levels The natural academic space: the world The natural regulatory space: the nation a new space under construction: Europe

At the same time Universities have often to deal with two dimensions in HE The continuing need for a social dimension : a tradition to be maintained The pressure of commercialisation: a new force to be considered How to find the right balance? Or what place for economic factors in the social dimension

In addition, now there is Globalisation Fundamentally, international activities come naturally to academics but have no deep economic roots. More recently, globalisation has become a phenomenon that is upsetting social activities. But pushing behind globalisation is economics what is the impact of economics on higher education activities (international or not)?

HE and internationalisation Fundamentally, international activities come naturally to academics. Therefore it is essential: To encourage these activities To overcome obstacles To promote partnerships and mutual support Economic factors were and are not dominant

Globalisation and Economics More recently, globalisation has become a phenomenon that is “upsetting” social activities Globalisation is the result of: Technical change and the “shrinking of the world”. The logic of economics and the unification of the world through the “market”.

Globalisation, Economics and HE How are activities in the higher education sector affected? Distinguish between the growing influence of economics on these activities from the economic analysis of these activities. Discuss the legitimacy and the contribution of such concepts as “commerce”, “services”, “customers” etc...

THE NEED for EQUILIBRIUM Social dimension of HE cannot be reduced to economics Take into account economic factors and concept when adapting HE to the evolution of society But at same time defend the role of non economic values which constitute the core of HE and are also needed by the society to reinforce social cohesion

The NEED FOR EQUILIBRIUM HE has to be more open to economic factors Introduce the need for efficiency and effectiveness, quality of services Implement applied research through contracts Take into account students’ employability and labour market’ needs

The NEED for EQUILIBRIUM But at the same time HE must further the social dimension : Critical thinking and of open-mindedness in students to contribute to democratic society Not-for-profit activities to contribute to social cohesion Blue-sky research and non-income generating research to contribute to knowledge development sustainable(i.e.long-term) employment

THE NEED for CONTINUUM Continuum means Transmission of social values to the next generation Need for openness: promotion of the widest possible access to HEI if you want to consolidate society

The NEED for CONTINUUM and Access to HE n Access has to be effective n For entering Higher Education n And for mobility in Europe n It means institutional support for students to give equal chance to succeed in academic and professional life n Institutions have to be evaluated also through their added value in educating disadvantage students n Has access to be free for all?

Europe and the public good n European Ministers in Prague supported “the idea that Higher Education should be considered a public good…” n European Universities are ready to work for the public good n So the stress puts on “public dimension” in HE in Europe should be one characteristic of EHEA and avoid any attempt to let the “market” regulates EHEA

Europe and the public good Promote social dimension means Main focus on Equilibrium: Counterbalancing economic forces domination and short term tendency in modern society Develop Highest access possible to HE for young people But how to make it a reality?