Reviewing the EU agenda for modernisation of higher education systems Consultation results and next steps European Commission 1
The EU's role in higher education Modernisation agenda 1. Evidence-based agenda setting: pinpointing problems and effective solutions Participation in Bologna Process Studies, analysis, data "To support the action of Member States" (art. 165) 2. Policy cooperation and support: peer learning, review and counselling involving governments and institutions ET 2020 working group, DG HE Individual mobility actions (KA 1) Erasmus+ Cooperation projects (KA 2) 3. Programme funding to individuals and organisations Horizon 2020 (researchers, research and innovation) Other support for policy reform (KA 3) European Structural and Investment Funds (ESF) 2
Reviewing the modernisation agenda Modernisation agenda 1. Evidence-based agenda setting: pinpointing problems and effective solutions Participation in Bologna Process Studies, analysis, data "To support the action of Member States" (art. 165) 2. Policy cooperation and support: peer learning, review and counselling involving governments and institutions ET 2020 working group, DG HE Individual mobility actions (KA 1) Erasmus+ Cooperation projects (KA 2) 3. Programme funding to individuals and organisations Horizon 2020 (researchers, research and innovation) Other support for policy reform (KA 3) European Structural and Investment Funds (ESF) 3
Review: broad public consultation Feedback gathered through meetings with Member States and stakeholders An open online questionnaire on the EUROPA website (1485 responses) A targeted request for "position papers" to national administrations and European stakeholders (49 papers) Summary report as part of Skills Agenda (June) http://eurlex.europa.eu/resource.html?u ri=cellar:cd0fa1ca-2ee9-11e6- b497-01aa75ed71a1.0001.02/doc_ 2&format=PDF 4
Response to online questionnaire Overview of 480 Institutional respondents Overview of 1,005 Individual respondents 18 15 21 25 34 A higher education or research institution (or representative body thereof) A non-governmental organisation A public administration 43 77 232 I am a recent graduate from higher education (graduated in last five years) I am a student in higher education I am an interested citizen 29 338 A social partner organisation A student union or other student representative organisation An educational establishment outside the HE sector 603 42 8 I employ recent graduates I work in an educational institution Other Other 5
Key questions in consultation 1. What are the challenges facing HE? 2. What should be the priorities for change? In teaching and learning? In research and its links to other activities? In (regional) innovation and outreach? 3. What should the EU do to help? 6
Main challenges facing HE overall BIG PICTURE: Globalisation + digitalisation changing environment Employment, unemployment, mismatch Dealing with diverse + new population groups Innovation potential of HE under-exploited Using ICT effectively Challenging funding conditions 7
Looking specifically at teaching & learning: 8
Subject knowledge & skills What 'we' expect higher education to deliver? Knowledge & skills for active citizenship Knowledge & Skills relevant to work 9
Higher education and labour market? 'There is a good match between the supply of higher education graduates and the knowledge and skills the economy needs' 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% No opinion Disagree strongly Disagree to some extent Agree to some extent Agree strongly 10% 0% HEI representative HEI employee Other stakeholders Student or recent graduate 10
Transversal skills? 'Higher education courses are effective at helping students to develop "soft skills" like communication, problem-solving and working in teams' 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% No opinion Disagree strongly Disagree to some extent Agree to some extent Agree strongly 10% 0% HEI Representative HEI Employee Student or recent graduate Other stakeholders 11
Main messages on teaching & learning Demand will remain high HE needs to respond to growing demand for highly qualified people Not just subject knowledge Importance of "transversal" skills alongside in-depth knowledge for changing economy Digitalisation Respond to need for ICT specialists and digital literacy for all Diverse, flexible systems needed Diversity of programmes; better guidance for students; incentivise teachers; cooperation across boundaries; mobility; flexible entry routes and programme types 12
Broad support for EU work to: Provide comparable information and evidence (for transparency & policy-making) Promote cooperation and peer exchange between governments Support cooperation between HEIs, employers and others Further increase mobility of students, staff and researchers Improve academic recognition 13
Updating the modernisation agenda 14
Next steps in process 1. Review of overall objectives and priorities in light of consultation and other evidence 2. Review and define and refine EU-level actions to ensure they address these objectives 15
Main priorities being explored Helping students get the right knowledge and skills Making teaching and research work better together Ensuring higher education institutions contribute to regional innovation 16
Example: EU work on graduate tracking Provide comparable information and evidence (for transparency & policy-making) Promote cooperation and peer exchange between governments Support cooperation between HEIs, employers and others Further increase mobility of students, staff and researchers Improve academic recognition 17
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Example: EU work on graduate tracking To help new students choose what to study Better feedback loops for teachers / education providers Informing policy at system level Pilot project: longitudinal European graduate study Networking national trackers for learning Targeted peer-learning and capacity building Better exploiting existing comparable data 19
QUESTIONS 20