Позитивные изменения. Том 3, № 3 (2023). Positive changes. Volume 3, Issue 3 (2023)

AN OVERVIEW OF THE VISION AND HOW IT CAME TO BE

The European university development strategy “Universities without Walls”[159] was published in February 2021 by the European University Association (EUA). It is a product of painstaking work by more than 100 experts from within the Association membership, 33 national rectors’ conferences, and a wide range of external consultants and non-university stakeholders.

What are the prerequisites for the creation of the strategy and objectives it is trying to address? In the foreword to the document, Michael Murphy, EUA President, and Amanda Crowfoot, EUA Secretary General, speak about being at a tipping point, driven by multiple economic, political and environmental pressures that add to the urgency of addressing what the future for our societies and our planet should be. “There is a need for a clear vision for and by universities, how they want to develop, shape and respond to these challenges over this decade. While this guide is aimed at providing inspiration and support for Europe’s universities, it is also an invitation to partners from other parts of society to join forces for a better future and for policy makers to ensure the right framework conditions,” they say, addressing the readers.