Logo“University mergers in Europe” is the second thematic report published by EUA as part of the DEFINE project. DEFINE explores strategies for efficient funding of universities in Europe, looking in particular at excellence initiatives, university mergers and performance-based funding mechanisms.
University mergers in Europe - Involvement of public authorities
Through its work on university governance9, EUA has previously demonstrated the merits of institutional autonomy. This includes an organisational dimension – in particular, the freedom for a university to set its own structures, processes and strategy. In line with this, universities are best placed to identify their own needs and develop strategies accordingly, including exploring and instigating merger processes if deemed appropriate, rather than having wide-scale reorganisation imposed in a top-down fashion. However, public authorities have a role to play in these processes; the government’s responsibility is to provide a political vision and a structure for the system that will enable it to meet agreed objectives over the long term. The sector and the public authorities need to set up the framework for an in-depth dialogue on such important questions as rationalisation and consolidation of the system. Download the report “University mergers in Europe”. More...