University alliances ‘should be iteratively experimental’

Cesaer says transnational alliances can act as learning laboratories but need programmatic funding from EU

The cross-border alliances of higher education institutions being funded by the EU should be allowed to “undertake an iterative experimental cycle” in which they explore ideas and drop ones that do not work out, a university association has recommended.

Following an announcement of the latest funding allocation earlier this week, the EU is now funding 64 international alliances involving more than 560 higher education institutions under its European Universities Initiative scheme. The EUI is intended to help institutions collaborate on projects such as joint campuses, courses and posts, benefiting from combining their strengths.