Abstract:

The European Union (EU) has consistently underscored the importance of higher education, research, and innovation as catalysts for ongoing socioeconomic and cultural progress in Europe. A recent policy initiative by the European Commission (EC), known as the European Universities Initiative (EUI), is designed to further this agenda. It aims to enhance European scientific excellence by fostering transnational collaborations among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This initiative represents an administrative response to the European policy objectives concerning higher education, research, and innovation. This study examines the potential advantages and challenges that may arise within the EUI alliances across four key dimensions: internal coordination, conflict resolution mechanisms, member universities' commitment, and cultural aspects of the alliances. Drawing on interviews with key leaders and managers from seven member universities, we present the case of the INVEST EUI alliance as a comprehensive case study. This analysis delves into the governmental, educational, structural, and financial obstacles encountered, providing a roadmap that can inform policy recommendations for the EU.

Keywords:

European, university, initiative, higher, education, INVEST, policy, structural, reform, governance, sustainability.