University Leadership in an International Context Frans van Vught

Historical Roots Plato’s Academy Medieval “Wander Studenten” The Birth of the Research University

Internationalisation Increasing cooperation between nation states Activities and decision-making across national borders Major role for nation states

Globalisation Interdependence of economics Liberalisation of trade and markets Vanishing role for nation states

Internationalisation in Higher Education To be shaped by higher education institutions Globalisation in Higher Education External macro socio-economic process, hardly to be influenced by higher education institutions

Internationalisation in Higher Education The Bologna process (EHEA) Nation states as major actors Higher education as public good? Higher education institutions as implementing agencies

Internationalisation in Higher Education The Lisbon agenda (ERA) Nation states as major actors EC as important facilitator Coordination of research efforts Higher education institutions as objects of policy

The European Commission (2003) European universities are not globally competitive The model of Wilhelm von Humboldt is less relevant now European universities need to face the challenges of globalisation!

Globalisation in Higher Education WTD and GATS Economic rationale (“market commodity” approach) New providers: corporate, virtual, for-profit Cross border delivery: branch campuses, franchise & twinning arrangements

General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Designed to increase trade liberalisation internationally Aims to promote and enforce liberalisation of “education” as service Multilateral set of rules (1995; Uruguay Round) Administered by WTO

Globalisation & European Higher Education Should we open up for foreign access? Should foreign providers be eligible for national subsidies? Should funding systems be changed? Should quality assurance systems be adapted?

Opportunities for Higher Education Institutions Review teaching and learning programmes for international clientele Include “international dimension” Concentrate on high quality programmes Reach for international accreditation Development of joint programmes Increase of funding

Threats for Higher Education Institutions Extra investments in quality, staff, infrastructure, facilities Decrease of state “protectionism” Need to face international accreditation Increased competition on international scale Decrease of funding

The Major Challenge Use Bologna Process –convergence of curriculum structures –comparability of degrees and qualifications Develop and market “European Profile” –consortia and partners –joint degree programmes The Reputation Race –mission / profile –internationalisation strategy