Abstract

This presentation starts from the reconstruction of what is a ‘good university’, meaning an up-to-date institution daring to position itself at the frontline not only of knowledge but also of societal demands and aspirations. This re-construction means overcoming the current idea of the university and moving towards a new model that can fit a more varied set of contemporary and updated demands.
In carrying out this analysis, we intend to focus on the contribution that RMA can make to this ‘good university’; so while we deal with exploring strategic plans internationally to identify concrete examples that can make a difference in the university that will come; and enquiring the role and contribution of staff, particularly RMAs – even in conjunction with other professional groups of staff, wherever appropriate – to this up-to-date model of university so to break silos down among professional groups and set a shared line of action.
Here, at EARMA, we would aim to shed light on the contribution of RMAs to see how these professionals best fit this picture, in terms of professionalism, competencies and identification of the profession. How can we re-set RMAs’ high-level expertise? How can we re-direct their effort towards the construction of ‘the good university’? How can we break silos down as suggested by the EU strategy for universities? How can RMAs break the silos down with different professional groups?