1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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 (?), 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

5. 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

6. 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