The Importance of IROs in European University Cooperation

1
The Importance of IROs in European University
Co-operation

• Annual General Assembly
• of the Danube Rectors Conference
• Hosted by Charles University
• Presentation by István Tarrósy
• director of international relations, University
  of Pécs
• Prague ? 26-27 September 2003

2
Structure of the presentation

• Globalisation and HE
  ? global challenges local responses
• The notion of internationalisation ?
  institutional IR strategy
• Current European trends related IR tasks
• The importance of the IRO
• IROs and the development of DRC
• 3rd DRC IRO Seminar

3
Globalisation and HE

• Globalisation a worldwide process with many
  dimensions (economic, political, cultural)
  affecting/influencing the life of the individual
  ? ?whether we like it or not, globalisation is
  here? (R. Prodi)
• According to IR theories a cob-web of
  interconnectedness and interdependence, in which
  international co-operation is inevitable for any
  actor (due to the global nature of problems to
  solve)
• ?the geographical spread of linkages and the
  increasing interconnectedness between nations
  have long affected HEIs. In fact, international
  linkages have always been part of the
  university.? (E. Beerkens)

4
Global local dichotomy

• Geographical expansion from the local to the
  global, i.e. to expand activities from the direct
  surroundings
• At the same time global effects piercing into
  the local levels
• In the domain of HE the formulation of
  internationalisation strategies giving credit to
  the increasing importance of regional
  co-operation and networks

5
Internationalisation and IR strategy

• A natural consequence of HE going global ? many
  dimensions curricula, teaching staff, mobility
  of students, credits, increased RD activities in
  co-operation with MNCs, etc.
• Bolognas mission a ?homogeneous? 3-tier
  structure for the sake of meeting the demands of
  global competition and enhancing the mutual
  recognition of HE studies

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Internationalisation and IR strategy 2

• A strategic way of thinking is crucial about the
  activities of the individual institution in the
  international HE arena (e.g. how to offer
  courses/programmes in foreign languages, how to
  increase mobility, RD sources, etc.)
• ?in order to plan, implement, develop and sustain
  ?internationalisation? strategies, universities
  need a strong and professional IRO?
• (Maribor Resolution, 1999) ? IRO officers as
  ?promoters of inter-university co-operation?

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The IRO and its importance

• Professional management of IR
• Information-providing service ? raising awareness
  on certain trends and particular issues
• Catalysing and facilitating international
  co-operation ? encouraging the sharing of
  knowledge and experiences
• ?University Diplomacy?
• new feature helping produce profit
  (fundraising, grantwriting, sponsoring, etc.,
  i.e. from external sources)

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IROs and DRC

• The ?IRO Project? launched by the University of
  Maribor ? 1st workshop in 1999
• The Maribor Resolution
• Next step University of Zagreb ? 2000, Dubrovnik
  ? special focus on using IT for IR
• 3rd IRO seminar/workshop 5-8 July 2003, Pécs
• PC Meeting in Maribor 2000 ? Prof. Märzs remarks

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3rd IRO workshop in Pécs

• 40 officers from 8 member countries of DRC
• Specific training English for IR (improving
  communication skills) current European trends
  and their affects on international co-operation
• Several national presentations Hungarian
  Ministry of Education EUA
• Important cultural element! ? winetasting
• Next workshop Graz, 2004
• My concluding remark

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Thank you for your attention!Lets keep the
momentum alive together!