Adapting University Structures to respond to societal needs “Quo Vadis, Universitas?” J.P.CONTZEN 6th EUA Conference Marseille, April 2, 2004

Adapting University Structures to Adapting University Structures to respond to societal needsrespond to societal needs“Quo Vadis, Universitas?”“Quo Vadis, Universitas?”

J.P.CONTZENJ.P.CONTZEN

6th EUA Conference6th EUA Conference

Marseille, April 2, 2004Marseille, April 2, 2004

An evolving Environment for the An evolving Environment for the University (1)University (1)

• With globalization and the evolution of the With globalization and the evolution of the Society, the wish expressed in the 1920’s Society, the wish expressed in the 1920’s by Albert Einstein by Albert Einstein « Science should be performed in isolated « Science should be performed in isolated communities away from economic communities away from economic pressures »pressures »is no longer on the agenda for Science. is no longer on the agenda for Science. The same applies to the University system The same applies to the University system that becomes more closely integrated in that becomes more closely integrated in the socio-economic environment. the socio-economic environment.


• The University is subjected to strong The University is subjected to strong external pressures. Their impact on the external pressures. Their impact on the University structures is inescapableUniversity structures is inescapable

• Keywords for describing these external Keywords for describing these external pressures are:pressures are:– A broader demand for higher education A broader demand for higher education

impacting on impacting on teachingteaching – An increased role in An increased role in research and innovationresearch and innovation


– A greater involvement in building the local A greater involvement in building the local social tissue, social tissue, in the life of the Cityin the life of the City

– A stronger A stronger cooperationcooperation between Universities between Universities associated to an increased associated to an increased competitioncompetition among among them and from other institutionsthem and from other institutions

– An unstable An unstable financingfinancing

Teaching (1)Teaching (1)

• More people wishing to have access to the More people wishing to have access to the University (in spite of a demographic University (in spite of a demographic downward trend)downward trend)

• The pressure of the productive world for The pressure of the productive world for having a higher education system “having a higher education system “attentive attentive to its immediate needsto its immediate needs””

• A greater attention devoted to the A greater attention devoted to the sustainability of our Society creates new sustainability of our Society creates new needs in educationneeds in education

• A durable mismatch between the demand of A durable mismatch between the demand of the socio-economic stakeholders and the the socio-economic stakeholders and the students’ own choices. students’ own choices.

Teaching (2)Teaching (2)

• Main results of this evolution:Main results of this evolution:– More societal relevance means new curricula More societal relevance means new curricula

mostly based on interdisciplinarity mostly based on interdisciplinarity – An increased demand has led to a An increased demand has led to a

multiplication of higher education institutions, multiplication of higher education institutions, creating institutional confusioncreating institutional confusion

– The nature of the demand leads to a The nature of the demand leads to a concentration on those themes that respond to concentration on those themes that respond to market opportunities and the setting-up of market opportunities and the setting-up of pseudo interdisciplinary schemes at pseudo interdisciplinary schemes at undergraduate level.undergraduate level.

Research and Innovation (1)Research and Innovation (1)

• The University becomes increasingly the The University becomes increasingly the focal point for public R&D, replacing specific focal point for public R&D, replacing specific research centers. Why?:research centers. Why?:– The need for interdisciplinary knowledge The need for interdisciplinary knowledge

expressed by industry, while at the same time, expressed by industry, while at the same time, its search for highly specialized, advanced its search for highly specialized, advanced knowledge. Both factors lead economic knowledge. Both factors lead economic operators to increased R&D outsourcing operators to increased R&D outsourcing

– A greater demand for R&D assisting the A greater demand for R&D assisting the decision-makers and the civil society in decision-makers and the civil society in managing change, in managing risk, leads to a managing change, in managing risk, leads to a renewed interest in social sciences and their renewed interest in social sciences and their marriage with natural sciences. marriage with natural sciences.


– A strong need for interdisciplinary knowledge is A strong need for interdisciplinary knowledge is expressed by industry, while at the same time, it expressed by industry, while at the same time, it requires highly specialized, advanced knowledge. requires highly specialized, advanced knowledge. Both factors lead economic operators to Both factors lead economic operators to increased R&D outsourcing increased R&D outsourcing

– A greater demand for R&D assisting the decision-A greater demand for R&D assisting the decision-makers and the civil society in managing change, makers and the civil society in managing change, in managing risk, leads to a renewed interest in in managing risk, leads to a renewed interest in social sciences and their marriage with natural social sciences and their marriage with natural sciencessciences

– The shortening of the process bridging the The shortening of the process bridging the creation of knowledge (research) to its effective creation of knowledge (research) to its effective application (innovation) brings the University application (innovation) brings the University researchers closer to the marketplaceresearchers closer to the marketplace


– Innovation in the University is already a reality; Innovation in the University is already a reality; one third of all the world’s biotechnology one third of all the world’s biotechnology companies have been founded by faculty companies have been founded by faculty members of the University of California. It members of the University of California. It should not be forgotten that the implication of should not be forgotten that the implication of the University in innovation is not totally new: the University in innovation is not totally new: already in the 1890’s, the success of the already in the 1890’s, the success of the German chemical industry was due to its close German chemical industry was due to its close links with chemistry faculties of the German links with chemistry faculties of the German universities. universities.


• Main results of this evolution:Main results of this evolution:– A new impulse is given to the creation of A new impulse is given to the creation of

knowledge, not solely to its transfer. Cross-knowledge, not solely to its transfer. Cross-fertilization between teaching and research fertilization between teaching and research within the University system is reinforced within the University system is reinforced

– New R&D areas featuring interdisciplinarity and New R&D areas featuring interdisciplinarity and associating natural sciences and humanities do associating natural sciences and humanities do appearappear


– There is a growing debate on the freedom of There is a growing debate on the freedom of choices of R&D themes. Beyond the directivity choices of R&D themes. Beyond the directivity that industry might impose, there is also a trend that industry might impose, there is also a trend towards favoring those R&D areas where public towards favoring those R&D areas where public money can be found more easily (perversity of money can be found more easily (perversity of targeted public research programs), leading to targeted public research programs), leading to deficits in other areas (e.g. mathematics, deficits in other areas (e.g. mathematics, humanities)humanities)

– The proximity of the market may lead to The proximity of the market may lead to restrictions on the free circulation of ideas within restrictions on the free circulation of ideas within the University and may create conflicts of interestthe University and may create conflicts of interest

– There is a clear loss of the perception by social There is a clear loss of the perception by social stakeholders of the neutrality and independence stakeholders of the neutrality and independence of the University when providing expert advice. of the University when providing expert advice.

The University in the life of the The University in the life of the City (1)City (1)

• A growing role of the University as social A growing role of the University as social stakeholder can be witnessed. The stakeholder can be witnessed. The University is seen locally as:University is seen locally as:– An element of diffusion of culture An element of diffusion of culture – A forum for debateA forum for debate– A source of local expertiseA source of local expertise– An intellectual support to the elder generation.An intellectual support to the elder generation.


• The University is considered (rightly) as a The University is considered (rightly) as a tool for regional development. Its local tool for regional development. Its local presence is actively sought by political presence is actively sought by political decision-makers and socio-economic decision-makers and socio-economic operators. The University experiences operators. The University experiences “glocalization”.“glocalization”.


• Main results of this evolution:Main results of this evolution:– Does that mean that there should be one Does that mean that there should be one

University in each province, prefecture, University in each province, prefecture, département, county, etc?département, county, etc?

– How could the University - already burdened by How could the University - already burdened by its essential functions of teaching and research its essential functions of teaching and research – assume its social role in the City?– assume its social role in the City?

Cooperation and Competition (1)Cooperation and Competition (1)

• Globalization and the process of European Globalization and the process of European integration have introduced a stronger integration have introduced a stronger competition among Universities that have competition among Universities that have now to attract and retain professors and now to attract and retain professors and researchers as well as students for survivalresearchers as well as students for survival

• The attribution of funds for research on a The attribution of funds for research on a competitive basis is increasingly adopted competitive basis is increasingly adopted by public authorities; this factor reinforces by public authorities; this factor reinforces the race between universitiesthe race between universities

• There is an aggressive drive by non-There is an aggressive drive by non-University higher education institutions for University higher education institutions for competing with the University. competing with the University.


• Main results of this evolution:Main results of this evolution:– The cooperation has been reinforced through The cooperation has been reinforced through

educational and R&D networks, for the mutual educational and R&D networks, for the mutual benefit of the partners benefit of the partners

– The mobility of professors and students has The mobility of professors and students has increased but the « Vacuum Cleaner effect » increased but the « Vacuum Cleaner effect » encourages talented professors and encourages talented professors and researchers to conglomerate at the most researchers to conglomerate at the most prestigious placesprestigious places

– The increased competition is a stimulus for The increased competition is a stimulus for improvement in quality; evaluation schemes improvement in quality; evaluation schemes have been introduced.have been introduced.


• How can the University be open to broad How can the University be open to broad cooperation while at the same retain its cooperation while at the same retain its identity?identity?

• Facing competition, how should the Facing competition, how should the University react?:University react?:– Easy access vs. strict excellence? Easy access vs. strict excellence? – Use research as the attraction pole or privilege Use research as the attraction pole or privilege

teaching?teaching?

• How should it meet the competition from How should it meet the competition from non-University Higher Education institutions?non-University Higher Education institutions?

Financing (1)Financing (1)

• The financing of the University has been a The financing of the University has been a constant problem that has come once again at constant problem that has come once again at the forefront in some countries (UK, Germany) the forefront in some countries (UK, Germany)

• Financing could come from 4 sources:Financing could come from 4 sources:– The Government: it constitutes the traditional The Government: it constitutes the traditional

source. In most European countries, public budgets source. In most European countries, public budgets are under severe pressure. Funding is often based are under severe pressure. Funding is often based on the number of students, with perverse effects on the number of students, with perverse effects

– Students: they provide in general a (small) fraction Students: they provide in general a (small) fraction of the corresponding costof the corresponding cost

– Individuals: they provide donations, endowmentsIndividuals: they provide donations, endowments– Socio-economic actors: they allocate funds, with or Socio-economic actors: they allocate funds, with or

without strings attached, rarely on a permanent without strings attached, rarely on a permanent base.base.

Financing (2)Financing (2)

• Can the role of individuals be increased in Can the role of individuals be increased in Europe, following the US example?Europe, following the US example?

• Should a stronger involvement of socio-Should a stronger involvement of socio-economic actors be sought, raising the economic actors be sought, raising the issue of the autonomy of the University issue of the autonomy of the University and of its impartiality?and of its impartiality?« In my opinion, the autonomy of a University « In my opinion, the autonomy of a University

consists of two elements: the freedom to consists of two elements: the freedom to decide on the content of education and decide on the content of education and research and the freedom to select people research and the freedom to select people appropriate for this purpose. One condition to appropriate for this purpose. One condition to realize this kind of autonomy is sufficient realize this kind of autonomy is sufficient financial backup » financial backup »

Akito ArimaAkito Arima

The future evolution of the The future evolution of the University (1)University (1)

• The evolution of the socio-economic The evolution of the socio-economic environment creates a series of challenges for environment creates a series of challenges for the University. Strong governance is required the University. Strong governance is required for giving an adequate response to all of for giving an adequate response to all of them. them.

• Two elements of response should be Two elements of response should be considered in particular:considered in particular:– A new task sharing within the higher education A new task sharing within the higher education

system between University and non-University system between University and non-University organizations, refocusing the mission of the organizations, refocusing the mission of the University University

– A new governance scheme adapted to the realities A new governance scheme adapted to the realities of the 21st century introducing new managerialism of the 21st century introducing new managerialism in the University itself and establishing clear in the University itself and establishing clear mechanisms for its interface with the outside world.mechanisms for its interface with the outside world.

A new task sharing within the A new task sharing within the University system (1)University system (1)

• With the implementation of the Bologna With the implementation of the Bologna declaration and Lifelong Learning, the length declaration and Lifelong Learning, the length of the education period will no longer of the education period will no longer constitute a criteria for discriminating constitute a criteria for discriminating between University and non-University between University and non-University organizationsorganizations

• R&D intensity, degree of specialization (as R&D intensity, degree of specialization (as opposed to interdisciplinarity), type of opposed to interdisciplinarity), type of innovation (incremental vs. radical), regional innovation (incremental vs. radical), regional impact, degree of internationalization, impact, degree of internationalization, cultural dimension appear to constitute cultural dimension appear to constitute suitable criteria. Their application is suitable criteria. Their application is illustrated in the following diagram illustrated in the following diagram comparing the two types:comparing the two types:


0123456

Degree of specialisation

R&D intensity

Type of innovation:incrementalvs.radical

Degree of internationalisation

Regional impact

Cultural dimension

Non University University


• The suggested task sharing is favoring the The suggested task sharing is favoring the concept of the American Research concept of the American Research University as described in 1982 by Robert University as described in 1982 by Robert M.Rosenzweig: M.Rosenzweig: «We choose to combine «We choose to combine basic research, a fair mixture of applied basic research, a fair mixture of applied research, training for research and research, training for research and undergraduate education at the same undergraduate education at the same place, done by the same people, frequently place, done by the same people, frequently at the same time »at the same time »


• BUT should we go further and use the model BUT should we go further and use the model of the Japan Advanced Institute of Science of the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology created in 1990 (the and Technology created in 1990 (the « « Shinkansen UniversityShinkansen University »)? It consists of »)? It consists of « « graduate schools without undergraduate graduate schools without undergraduate programs, for the purpose of carrying out programs, for the purpose of carrying out high-level researches and systematic high-level researches and systematic education in the fields of advanced S&T » education in the fields of advanced S&T »

• Could the implementation of the Bologna Could the implementation of the Bologna declaration favor the latter concept? declaration favor the latter concept?

A new Governance scheme for A new Governance scheme for the University (1)the University (1)

• Adapting the structure of the University to Adapting the structure of the University to the realities of the 21st Century will the realities of the 21st Century will require strong governance.require strong governance. Two issues Two issues dominate the scene:dominate the scene:– Introduce « new managerialism » in the Introduce « new managerialism » in the

management of the University systemmanagement of the University system– Establish clear rules for the interface Establish clear rules for the interface

with the economic worldwith the economic world. .

New Managerialism (1)New Managerialism (1)

• « New managerialism » (Braun and Merrien « New managerialism » (Braun and Merrien 1999)1999) has been presented often as has been presented often as « « Academic Capitalism » Academic Capitalism » (Slaughter and (Slaughter and Leslie 1997)Leslie 1997) . . Ideological debates should be Ideological debates should be avoided over this important issue. The avoided over this important issue. The evolution should not be considered as the evolution should not be considered as the result of « a market-based ideology result of « a market-based ideology opposing public counter-cultures », it is part opposing public counter-cultures », it is part of the quest for efficient of the quest for efficient publicpublic structures. structures.

New Managerialism (2)New Managerialism (2)

• What does « new managerialism » imply? What does « new managerialism » imply? – Decentralize, introduce flexibility in Decentralize, introduce flexibility in

structures inherited from the 18th and 19th structures inherited from the 18th and 19th CenturiesCenturies

– Introduce and sustain modern Introduce and sustain modern administrative and financial proceduresadministrative and financial procedures

– Strike the right balance of power between Strike the right balance of power between the academic community and the the academic community and the administrationadministration

– Reinforce the inner governance by installing Reinforce the inner governance by installing such structures as Board of Trustees or such structures as Board of Trustees or Strategic Councils. Strategic Councils.

A new Governance scheme for A new Governance scheme for the University (2)the University (2)

• The other important aspect of a revised The other important aspect of a revised governance scheme relates to a governance scheme relates to a reorganized interface with the economic reorganized interface with the economic world obeying to clear rules. The lessons world obeying to clear rules. The lessons learned from the current interface learned from the current interface problems should lead to a redeployment of problems should lead to a redeployment of the University structurethe University structure

• A proposal for a three-layers structure is A proposal for a three-layers structure is presented here for further reflection. The presented here for further reflection. The three layers should exercise strong three layers should exercise strong interaction between each other but interaction between each other but maintain their functional identity. maintain their functional identity.

A new structure for the University A new structure for the University (1)(1)

1

2

3 Three layers:

1:teaching and basic research in disciplinary areas

2:teaching and research in multidisciplinary areas

3:innovation (spin-offs, incubators, joint ventures, entrepreneurship centers, etc) as well as social fora

A new structure for A new structure for thethe UniversityUniversity (2)(2)

Composition of the three layers :Composition of the three layers :• Inner CoreInner Core: the heart of the University with : the heart of the University with

teaching and basic research, both centered teaching and basic research, both centered essentially on disciplines. Departments essentially on disciplines. Departments remain the basic structure. Freedom of remain the basic structure. Freedom of choice should be the guiding principle. choice should be the guiding principle. Gibbons mode 1 operation. Basic financing Gibbons mode 1 operation. Basic financing should be guaranteed with a fraction of should be guaranteed with a fraction of competitive funding for testing excellence. competitive funding for testing excellence. Funding from Industry allowed only if no Funding from Industry allowed only if no strings attached (the Berkeley/Novartis deal strings attached (the Berkeley/Novartis deal could be a model). Should work closely with could be a model). Should work closely with like-minded outside academic organizations.like-minded outside academic organizations.


• Intermediate LayerIntermediate Layer: interdisciplinary : interdisciplinary teaching (no undergraduate level) and teaching (no undergraduate level) and interdisciplinary theme-oriented research. interdisciplinary theme-oriented research. Gibbons mode 2 operation. Performed in Gibbons mode 2 operation. Performed in centers jointly operated by several centers jointly operated by several disciplinary departments with the disciplinary departments with the cooperation of outside academic cooperation of outside academic organizations; clustering should be based organizations; clustering should be based on specialization and competitive on specialization and competitive advantage. Relies more heavily on outside advantage. Relies more heavily on outside financing from industry, public bodies and financing from industry, public bodies and (hopefully) donations.(hopefully) donations.


• Outer LayerOuter Layer: the interface with the : the interface with the economic world as well as the social world economic world as well as the social world – In the first case, it consists of technology In the first case, it consists of technology

transfer and licensing offices, spin-offs, transfer and licensing offices, spin-offs, entrepreneurship centers, incubators, joint entrepreneurship centers, incubators, joint ventures and any other form of cooperative ventures and any other form of cooperative structure with economic operators. This layer structure with economic operators. This layer should be at least financially self-sustaining should be at least financially self-sustaining and should aim at profit-makingand should aim at profit-making

– In the second case, it works with local In the second case, it works with local authorities and civic associations for promoting authorities and civic associations for promoting cultural events, providing fora for debates, cultural events, providing fora for debates, museums, etc. It contributes to local expertise. museums, etc. It contributes to local expertise. Financing should be shared with the local Financing should be shared with the local stakeholders.stakeholders.

THE UNIVERSITY GALAXY

U1

U2

U3

U4

U5

Ux1

Ux2

In conclusion (1)In conclusion (1)

The University must demonstrate its The University must demonstrate its capability to manage an evolution that can’t capability to manage an evolution that can’t be ignored or repelled. Past success should be ignored or repelled. Past success should not be an excuse for doing nothing.not be an excuse for doing nothing.

What will happen should not be the product of What will happen should not be the product of fatality or the random combination of diverse fatality or the random combination of diverse external forces. It should rely essentially on external forces. It should rely essentially on what the University has decided itself to do. It what the University has decided itself to do. It should act with determination and vision, not should act with determination and vision, not just “reorganizing deckchairs on the Titanic”just “reorganizing deckchairs on the Titanic”

In conclusion (2)In conclusion (2)

The University should act NOW, not in The University should act NOW, not in splendid isolation, but with the support of splendid isolation, but with the support of all public and private socio-economic all public and private socio-economic actors, for remaining what it has been actors, for remaining what it has been through the centuries, i.e. « a place of through the centuries, i.e. « a place of light, of liberty and of learning »light, of liberty and of learning »

Benjamin Disraeli, House of Commons, 1873Benjamin Disraeli, House of Commons, 1873

Documents

Adapting University Structures to respond to societal needs “Quo Vadis, Universitas?” J.P.CONTZEN 6th EUA Conference Marseille, April 2, 2004