Abstract

In 2019, Emmanuel Macron suggested the idea of new 'European Universities'. Over the next few years, nearly 80 'European University Alliances' have evolved each with a specific focus and purpose ranging from more integrated cooperations across the 'university knowledge box' to full-blown integration as federated or confederated, genuinely pan-European universities.

It is increasingly clear, that very little attention was given to the actual implementation of these plans on the ground. To a certain extent, each alliance is in 'firefighting' mode - solving things as they arise and often on a case-by-case basis. This i symptomatic of the non-strategic nature of these alliances, most have arisen as a consequence of a tactical engagement with a dedicated funding stream.

As we move to phase two, the strategic importance of these initiatives is becoming clear. The implications for national administration need to worked through, but the greatest impact will be where intent meets action and the how those actions are delivered.

EARMA has established this new thematic group to give a voice to those RMAs engaged in the process, to address the specific issues for our community and to engage with the EU in our areas of expertise to make these genuinely exciting alliances good for everybody, universities, students, all staff, and their local communities and regions.