1. Jo Ritzen, Chair EEU, Professor Maastricht University, Senior Policy Adviser IZA Conference, University Policy for Strengthening Competitiveness and Social Cohesion, November 22 nd, 23 rd 2011

2. Why  Strengthening Europe as a vibrant continent in which it is good to live;  Universities can contribute so much more to sustainable economic growth and social cohesion.  Point of view : Policy Universities Socio-economic Outcomes

3. How  Inform democratic process with evidence.  Using the outcomes of the “social experiments” of individual countries in a relatively homogeneous space (the EU).  Putting pressure through “the State of University Policy for Progress in Europe” (June 2012).  Individual Government’s University Policy and EU Policy as targets.

4. Steps  Agree on the framework for evaluation (Nov.22/23, 2011).  (Continue research on the relation between policy and university outcomes).  Collect data per country on dimensions of evaluation framework (Dec. 2011-March 2012).  Correspondents “rate” Government policy in their country (Dec. 2011– June 2012).

5. Steps (continued)  Correspondents seek in their own country a second, independent evaluator.  Both evaluations will be included in final document (June 22/23 rd ).  Between December 2011 and 2012 intensive interaction through internal part of website EmpowerEU.org (only accessible for correspondents and staff).

6. Support  NWO (Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research) for Nov 2011, June 2012 Conferences.  ETS Educational Testing Service for Project Leader (2012).  EU Application.  The project is sufficiently well supported for 2011 and 2012.

7. Beyond 2012  Annual update on the State of University Policy for Progress in Europe.  In particular attention for dynamics (a EEU prize for the most vibrant country?).  Simultaneous action to enhance the EHEA by reducing barriers to mobility, Erasmus 3.0.

8. The Result  Vibrant European Universities which are attractive to students world wide.  A resurgence of the universities in the South and East of Europe by focusing EU structural and cohesion funds on human capital.

9. Thank you for your commitment