European universities : change and convergence ?

The book

Universities play a central role in the production and dissemination of knowledge. Understanding their functioning is vital for extending the "knowledge frontier". In this perspective, a multiuniversity project (Université libre de Bruxelles - Katholieke Universiteit Leuven - Université de Mons-Hainaut) was set up, funded by the Belgian Federal Government under its PAI/IAP Programme, to study various facets of university behavior. It builds on network members' academic expertise in microeconomics, strategic management, and the economics of education, as well as on their practical academic management expertise.

A previous book, published in 2001, has provided a sample of research outputs with special emphasis on the strategic management of universities. This second book addresses the challenges universities face in the emerging "European university market".

The challenges coming from increased mobility, demand for accountability and reduced public budgets, as well as their impact on students, researchers and teachers, are considered. The degree of convergence and of diversity across countries is stressed in terms of : (I) functioning of university systems, (II) assessment of academic performances, (III) response to student and societal needs, (IV) governance systems, and (V) teaching and research networking strategies. A contrasted picture is presented with a variety of responses being experimented. A common theme is the attempt by universities to introduce elements of "managerialism" in their governance while preserving their academic specificity.

The contributions included in the book point to various successes and difficulties universities have experienced in this process. They should be of interest to all citizens interested in the management of Europe's key resource : the creation and diffusion of knowledge. They are especially relevant for all the participants in the higher education sector, be they students, researchers, teachers or policymakers.