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Transatlantic Dialogue 2008

Transatlantic Dialogue Examines Competition and Cooperation in Higher Education
Press Release, June 26, 2008

Participants at the 2008 Transatlantic Dialogue.

American Council on Education (ACE) President Molly Corbett Broad was among 30 higher education leaders from the United States, Canada and Europe who gathered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for the 11th Transatlantic Dialogue, co-sponsored by ACE, the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada and the European University Association.

The theme of the meeting, Brave New World Revisited: Competition and Cooperation in Higher Education, reflected on the 2001 Transatlantic Dialogue meeting that examined a future shaped by technology, globalization and competition. Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia hosted this year's gathering which took place June 20–23.

Underlying the meeting was a clear agreement that as competition increases, the need for cooperation of all types becomes more acute.

"Within the United States, that competition has only intensified on all fronts," Broad said. "And for a certain group of research universities, that competition is now global, which is one reason the global rankings have become so popular."

Attendees explored the different types of cooperation, including national, regional and international partnerships (both bilateral and multi-lateral and focusing on teaching, research and technology transfer) and joint ventures with the private sector, government and local communities. Partnerships are a central strategy for institutions to increase their capacity, enhance their creativity, and meet societal needs.

The leaders emphasized the need for institutions to be clear about their strategic goals so that partnerships closely align with their mission. They also stressed the importance of developing the appropriate institutional human resources and skills to implement those goals. The discussion demonstrated that the issues and challenges faced by institutions are becoming increasingly complex and interlinked.

"Connecting with local, regional, and international partners are key institutional responses to globalization and competition," said Madeleine Green, ACE's vice president for International Initiatives. "As competition drives institutions to seek a global position, it is key that the fundamental purposes of higher education guide the development of these strategies."

The meeting concluded with a discussion of the crucial role that institutional leaders play in initiating and negotiating partnerships and in communicating their benefits to colleagues and external stakeholders.

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This page was last updated on 08/29/2008