Comprehensive internationalisation, new objectives in the Higher Education Act and tailored support by government agencies, are some of the proposals presented in the inquiry En strategisk agenda för internationalisering submitted to the government
In the beginning of 2017, the government requested the inquiry Ökad internationalisering av universitet och högskolor. Agneta Bladh, chairman of the board of the Swedish Research Council, was appointed special investigator and Maria Wilenius as chief secretary.
On 22 February, Agneta and Maria visited the university to present part of the remit focusing on proposing new objectives and a new internationalisation strategy
"We are very pleased that the inquiry's proposal focuses on comprehensive internationalisation. It is definitely necessary that international elements permeate the entire organisation to improve quality. Umeå University is in the starting point of developing a new strategy for internationalisation that, in addition to education, also will include research and collaboration. This inquiry is a springboard for us", says Ingrid Svensson, Head of International Office.
New provisions in the Swedish Higher Education Act
The Inquiry proposes that new wording regarding internationalisation should be added to the Higher Education Act. It should state that all international activities at each higher education institution should contribute to improving the quality of education and research and, nationally and globally, to the sustainable development that higher education institutions are meant to foster.
A new strategy for internationalisation
Objectives
- Internationalisation characterises the management of higher education institutions.
- Sweden has a high level of attractiveness as a study destination and knowledge nation.
- All students who earn university degrees have developed their international understanding or intercultural competence.
- Staff at higher education institutions, including doctoral students, have solid international experience and strong international networks.
- Higher education institutions enjoy favourable conditions for increasing strategic international partnership and cooperation.
- Higher education institutions have strong potential to contribute to global development and global social challenges.
- Support provided by government agencies towards the internationalisation of higher education institutions is tailored to the needs of the institutions.
- Systems for monitoring and evaluating internationalisation are well established.
The inquiry proposes that the strategy will apply from 2020 to the end of 2030.
The part of the remit focusing on proposing measures to increase Sweden's attractiveness as a study destination and knowledge nation will be presented to the government by 31 October 2018.
For questions, please contact
Ingrid Svensson, Head of International Office
Phone: 090-786 56 35
E-mail: ingrid.svensson@umu.se
Read more about the inquiry:
En strategisk agenda för internationalisering