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Maassen's Research on European University Alliances

Maassen and colleagues consider the European Universities Initiative (EUI) as a pivotal policy endeavour by the European Commission (EC) to promote higher education, research, and innovation across European borders. As a result, they ask the following research questions: 1) How can university alliances be theoretically conceptualized and analysed? and 2) What are the key potentials and perils of university alliances as an organizational form? To answer them, the article delves into the dynamics of European university alliances, aiming to dissect the potential gains and challenges encountered within these partnerships. Through interviews with key figures in ten alliances, the analysis unfolds along four dimensions: 1) internal coordination, 2) conflict resolution, 3) member university commitment, 4) and cultural characteristics of the alliances. The study sheds light on the implications of university alliances for the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), underscoring factors that could either reinforce or destabilise these collaborative endeavours.

For instance, as the landscape of higher education in Europe evolves under the influence of the EUI, questions arise about the future trajectory of university alliances. The potential for alliances to expand their agenda and scope over time, as observed in previous studies, prompts speculation on the growing significance of research and innovation activities within these partnerships. Additionally, the prospect of larger alliances and inter-alliance mergers fueled by increased economic support signals a potential shift in power dynamics within the EHEA, raising questions about the influence of new actors on policy-making processes. Moreover, the internal governance of university alliances emerges as a crucial area for future investigation, as effective governance structures shape the capacity of alliances to facilitate knowledge exchange, learning, and innovation, thereby influencing their long-term significance and impact.

Journal Article: The politics of higher education: the European Higher Education Area (Nature)

Questions

1. What specific research methods were employed to gather data on European university alliances?

2. Could you elaborate on the selection criteria used to identify key leadership and management roles within the university alliances?