Busquin terms three day conference on universities a 'turning point'
Summing up the proceedings of the three day conference on university-based research in Liège, Belgium, on 28 April, EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin referred to a 'turning point' for universities. He also announced that he had already decided to create a new forum, representing an interface between the European Commission and Europe's universities. 'On Monday I expressed the wish that the Liège conference would mark a turning point for universities and research in the same way that Bologna did for universities and higher education. I think that one can say that that objective has been met, as long as we make sure that all the reports, all the reflections which have been developed, and all the paths that have been suggested do not remain just words.' Mr Busquin highlighted four main points, identified at the conference as being key to creating and maintaining successful universities: cooperation, funding, public-private partnerships and mobility. Europe does not want to copy the highly successful US model, but do even better without betraying the European model, said the Commissioner. This model combines democracy and prosperity, competitiveness and cohesion, and compassion and economics. The results and the conclusions of the conference demonstrate that it is essential to make universities a full part of European research policy, said Mr Busquin. He concluded by announcing his plans for ensuring that momentum is maintained. 'I can already announce that I intend to bring together in a European forum, all associations, networks and European university organisations in order to encourage an exchange of good practice and to identify the operational aspects of the conference conclusions. This forum will create an interface between the Commission and existing associations so as to pursue the debate on the subjects that I have tackled as well as others, such as management and infrastructures,' said the Commissioner. The forum will be established before the summer, ready for an initial meeting following the summer break.