Report LEAD Workshop on Academic Leadership and LEAD-UNICA Europe-China Rectors Seminar 4-5 May 2017 in Lisbon

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Report LEAD Workshop on Academic Leadership and LEAD-UNICA Europe-China Rectors Seminar 4-5 May 2017 in Lisbon In the framework of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building LEAD project and the EU-China High

Lisboa in Lisbon. The two days event has attracted more than 150 participants from both Europe and China.

China to Portugal, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education of Portugal, EUA, the LEAD consortium partners, and other top level European and Chinese universities.

First of all, the LEAD project and the summaries of the LEAD workshops in Tampere (as part of the 3 rd series of LEAD workshops) are presented; this is followed by the introduction of the three

1 Report LEAD Workshop on Academic Leadership and LEAD-UNICA Europe-China Rectors Seminar 4-5 May 2017 in Lisbon In the framework of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building LEAD project and the EU-China High Level People-to-People Dialogue (HPPD), VUB, UNICA and NOVA have successfully organized the LEAD workshop on Academic Leadership and LEAD-UNICA Rectors Seminar and on 4-5 May at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa in Lisbon. The two days event has attracted more than 150 participants from both Europe and China. The participants are coming from over 20 countries, more than 70 institutions, including the European Commission, the China Mission to the EU, the embassy of P.R. China to Portugal, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education of Portugal, EUA, the LEAD consortium partners, and other top level European and Chinese universities. LEAD Workshop on Academic Leadership, 4 May 2017 As the 3 rd series of LEAD workshops, the LEAD workshop on Academic Leadership was organized on 4 May at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. First of all, the LEAD project and the summaries of the LEAD workshops in Tampere (as part of the 3 rd series of LEAD workshops) are presented; this is followed by the introduction of the three workshops at NOVA. The LEAD workshop at NOVA Lisbon focused on three themes including the impact of internationalization on university governance, the development of creativity mentality of academic leaders, and structural transformation of HEIs. The first workshop group on Internationalization focused on the cases of internationalization and group mobility, and its effect on university governance. The experts discussed the process of university internationalization and its adaptation of university curricula. The competition for students and language issues of international students were also discussed. 1

2 Strategies to enhance internationalization were highlighted, including fundraising, networking with alumni and companies, quality management, Erasmus+ programs, critical factors for success in internationalization, challenges for university internationalization strategies, etc. More specifically, several models of internationalization were discussed, including the business models, EU models (following the Bologna process) and the China models. In addition, issues related to university governance, such as building world-class universities, ranking, and strategic vision were discussed. The second workshop group focused on doctoral education and the development of creativity mentality of academic leaders. The participants have extensively discussed the creative and critical thinking as learning outcomes of doctoral education, and the meaning and the ways to develop and assess it. The experiences in European and Chinese universities were exchanged. The third workshop group focused on the structural transformation of HEIs. Four main aspects were covered: the reasons or drivers for transformation, the key points to consider, the ways of transformation and successful cases. Among the drivers for transformation, the roles of HEIs in the national and regional innovation systems were highlighted. With regard to the key areas of transformation, talent cultivation, research, societal service, and international cooperation were stressed. Regarding the ways of transformation, the connection between HEIs and the social needs was agreed as a key issue. Many cases and good practices of European and Chinese HEIs were shared. In general, in-depth discussions were held among all participants from the LEAD consortium partner universities as well as other European and Chinese universities during the workshops. The results have been reported during the plenary sessions. The reporters include academic leaders from NOVA, Tongji University, Middle East Technical University, Guizhou Institute of Technology, etc. The concluding session was chaired by the Vice rector of NOVA university. Former vice president of Yunnan Normal University presented its reflections and insights regarding the topics discussed in the workshops and the specific significance of EU-China cooperation for Chinese universities, especially for Chinese universities in the south-west regions. The LEAD project external evaluator talked about the grand challenges of university governance and the lessons learned for academic leaders during this one day workshops. The rector of NOVA summarized the conclusions of the workshops. All participants positively evaluated and appreciated the workshops and deep discussions among European and Chinese stakeholders. 2

3 EU-China Higher Education Platform for Exchange and Cooperation (HEPEC) Meeting, 4 May 2017 The day of 4 May also highlights the EU-China dialogue in higher education as the Annual Meeting of EU-China Higher Education Platform for Exchange and Cooperation (HEPEC meeting) took place in connection to the LEAD workshops. Mr. Vito Borrelli, Head of Sector Jean Monnet and China Desk of DG Education and Culture of the EC chaired the HEPEC meeting. Mr. Borrelli introduced various EU frameworks and initiatives that encourage international participation. In particular, he introduced the EU-China HPPD activities, and participation of Chinese universities in the current EU programs including the Erasmus+ projects. Minister-Counsellor Jianmin LI from China Mission to the EU, introduced the key issues related to EU-China Higher Education Exchange and Cooperation. He presented the positive progress of China-EU cooperation in the past years, including the cooperation mechanisms, the concrete cooperation models (such as courses, cooperation institutes, cooperative educational agents and programs), and the number of mobility between China and the EU. Minister-Counsellor LI also highlighted three recommendations for future cooperation, including the establishment of concerted efforts to speed up the process of internationalization, respect for differences and mutual benefits, and the enhancement of cooperation in emerging and interdisciplinary fields. European Tuning expert Prof. Isaacs from Italy addressed the global challenges in higher education, especially in the framework of the Tuning EU-China. The Tuning approach focused on the compatibility of EU-China higher education and stressed on the outcomebased education. Tools for mutual recognition and obstacles for mobility were also addressed. She stressed the alignment of academic standards and quality. Both generic competences and subject specific competences in China and the EU still differ a lot. In particular, the Credit Reference System will be further discussed and studied in order to strengthen cooperation. Prof. Weiping Huang from Renmin University of China introduced European Studies in China in the last several decades. He introduced the rapid development of European Studies in China, especially since later 1990s. Currently three top Chinese universities have Jean Monnet Center of Excellence, and 9 Chinese universities have Jean Monnet Chair (in total 16), which are successful cases of EU-China cooperation in higher education. He highlighted the new type of strategic partnership between European and Chinese universities. Both European Studies and China Studies are important elements of EU-China high level people to people dialogue. In summary, the EU frameworks and initiatives were introduced and the active participation of Chinese universities in various EU initiatives was presented and discussed. The meeting 3

4 and discussions have provided more insights for European and Chinese participants for joining EU projects and initiatives. The HEPEC meeting was successfully concluded with a consensus of the strong willingness and commitment of both European and Chinese HEIs in educational and research cooperation under the framework of HPPD, the EU programs and other cooperation mechanisms. LEAD-UNICA Europe-China Rectors Seminar, 5 May 2017 The LEAD-UNICA Europe-China Rectors Seminar has attracted about 150 university leaders from across Europe and China, including university presidents/rectors and vice presidents/vice rectors from top Chinese and European universities. The European Commission DG Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (EAC), the China Mission to the EU and the Ambassador of PR. China to Portugal have attended and addressed at this high level seminar. This event highlights the EU-China cooperation and dialogue on Higher Education policies, university governance and academic leadership. Among other European and Chinese university leaders, the rector of Universidada NOVA de Lisboa, the President of UNICA network, VUB former vice rector for International Policy, vice President of Renmin University of China, and executive vice president of Tongji University, have addressed the EU-China cooperation on structural reform of higher education, internationalization, research, education innovations, challenges and opportunities for cooperation on university governance and academic leadership capacity building. Academic leaders from other well-known universities such as Fudan University, University of Lausanne, King s College London, Beihang University also addressed at the Rectors Seminar. The first session of the Seminar centered on the Higher Education Landscape in Europe and China. The speech of EUA introduced the European higher education transition from the Bologna process to the EHEA. Mr. Gaebel stressed the Lisbon Strategy, EU 2020, E&T 2020 strategies, especially the EU policies and funding schemes and frameworks. The Bologna implementation status and issues were presented and discussed. Mr. Gaebel further proposed three scenarios for post 2020 including the future of the Bologna process, the EHEA compliance areas and a more consolidated EHEA. He also highlighted the importance of interregional cooperation on HE reform. The speech of Vice President Zhihong YI of Renmin University of China focused on the Structural Reform of Higher Education in China. She summarized the recent rapid development achievements of Chinese HEIs, the recent challenges and the need for 4

5 restructuring reforms. Prof. YI introduced the development achievements regarding international accreditation and ranking, e.g. according to QS Ranking, 41 Chinese universities are ranked in top 500. She also highlighted the contribution of higher education to economic growth and innovation in China. For example, from more than 45% of new labor force are college-educated. However, Chinese HEIs face challenges such as uneven quality assurance and imbalance of resource allocation. Several restructuring reforms have been conducted for improving the quality of higher education and building First-class University and First-class Discipline. Promoting the Development of Applied Technical College is also part of the restructuring reform. The First-class University and First-class Discipline Construction plan has attracted wide interests and discussions from the European and Chinese participants. President Zhengrong HU from Communication University of China participated in the panel discussion. He especially stressed the impact of digital media and online education on universities. The new trend of digital media and online education has brought huge opportunities as well as challenges for HEIs. How HEIs can benefit and contribute to the new development of education and research is a very interesting topic to explore. Cooperation between Chinese and European HEIs in these aspects will be very beneficial, e.g. the use of big data and analytics to understand better the learning trends and effect on students and the education policies. The second session of the Seminar focused on the future of international cooperation in higher education. Mr. Vito Borrelli from DG EAC of EC talked about the EU internationalisation of HE under the influence of globalisation and technological development. Especially he stressed that student mobility is a very visible aspect of internationalisation. He also pointed out the new opportunities of MOOCs to reach more potential students internationally. He pointed out the importance of world-class curricula, strategic partnerships, international alliances, and strategies to attract talent around the world. Comprehensive internationalisation strategies including joint degrees, joint curricula, joint projects, branches and distance programs are new trends that require changing of mind-set of university leaders. Above all, pulling concerted efforts to position a HEI in all relevant activities in the global scene will be crucial. The speech of Minister-counsellor Jianmin LI focused on the Future Path of China Higher Education Internationalization under the Framework of "World-Class Universities and Disciplines Strategy". He summarised the international development path of Chinese HEIs including the development of global perspective for development of vision and strategy, the education quality, cooperation space and educational resources. Participation in global education governance, multilateral international education action, and exchange with European universities are important internationalisation processes of Chinese universities. 5

6 Dr. Lima from King s College London talked about international partnerships of UK universities. She introduced five core strategic priorities of King s College for internationalization. Building strategic international partnerships serves as a key driver for impact. New models of partnerships in the area of teaching, research, civic engagement and professional practice are introduced from UK experiences. She stressed that the main mission of global engagement is to meet the needs of society, work collaboratively and enhance cooperation. The third session of the Seminar focused on research cooperation of universities. Former vice rector of VUB introduced the research collaboration schemes and the Multidisciplinary knowledge hubs of VUB and relevant university policies and governance structures. He stressed that presenting the research results to an international public is a very important issue. Also university technology transfer is becoming increasingly important. Prof. Cornelis elaborated cooperation models at the layers of education, research and societal impact. He stressed that all three layers of partnerships are needed as a model to involve multiple stakeholders. Vice president of Beihang University introduced its fast-growing research and publications in fundamental research. Stockholm University shared its successful research cooperation policies and its central initiatives for research internationalization. The Europe-China Rectors Seminar is a unique forum in which both high level European and Chinese university leaders share their challenges, strategies and successful practices. High level academic leaders including the President of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, the President of UNICA network, the executive vice president of Tongji University and the rector of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa congratulated the successful organization of the Seminar, the rich content of the presentations and the very constructive discussions and exchange of views. The dialogue and exchange among the academic leaders and all participants from Europe and China are valuable for all stakeholders. The LEAD-UNICA Europe-China Rectors Seminar has enhanced the mutual understanding of European and Chinese leaders on key issues of higher education cooperation and strengthened the further cooperation of European and Chinese universities on core elements of university governance and academic leadership. For more information, the programme of the LEAD workshop on Academic Leadership and HEPEC meeting in Lisbon on 4 May 2017 can be found here. The programme of the LEAD-UNICA Europe-China Rectors Seminar in Lisbon on 5 May 2017 can be found here. The programme of the LEAD kick-off event at VUB, March 2016 can be found here. More information regarding the Erasmus+ LEAD project can be found here. 6

7 LEAD Workshop on Academic Leadership and HEPEC meeting, Lisbon, Portugal, 4 May 2017 LEAD-UNICA Europe-China Rectors Seminar, Lisbon, Portugal, 5 May

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