In pursuit of research excellence
Universities and research institutes are changing very rapidly with leading-edge information technology (IT), distance learning, global exchanges and tough competition. In such a complex landscape, how can they adapt themselves to support the European Research Area (ERA)? The EU-funded initiative 'Belgian Presidency Conference related to 'Conditions for Achieving Excellence in Universities and other Research Organisations'' (Belpresconf) recently tackled this question. The conference called on public authorities and educational institutions to modernise working methods and enhance cooperation on national and regional levels to meet the ERA challenge. .Project partners studied the link between good institutional governance, competition and research performance, as well as financial management, research funding, industry partnerships and innovation research training. Belpresconf attracted 250 key specialists and speakers in research, innovation and higher education to address these issues and promote research excellence in the EU. It debated the most viable ways to foster excellence and outline best practices for institutions. Case studies were analysed, good practices were highlighted and strong participation was witnessed both from academia and industry linked to 17 EU Member States. Specific topics included partnerships between research and industry, autonomy and excellence, cooperation and clustering, sustainable research funding and research training for innovation. University ranking was also discussed, focusing on Europe's U-multirank mechanism for classification. In conclusion, the conference was seen as a very enlightening one, allowing the participants to gain new ideas and best practices destined for institutions across Europe. The output will undoubtedly have positive repercussions on the presence of European academic institutions within the ERA.
