Call for analysis about the state of higher education in the Baltic Sea region [27 Feb 2008]

In a discussion on 27 February at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs it was noted that a high grade, reasoned review about the state of the region's higher education was required, in order to determine its competitiveness on a global level, and also to agree on the criteria for competitiveness in education as well as the means of fulfilling them.

During the course of the meeting the opinion was expressed that the CBSS should strengthen co-operation with existing co-operation networks in the region in the field of education, because it is envisaged that, as a result of reforms in the organisation, education will continue to be one of the main priorities in the future as well. A representative of the Baltic University Programme pointed out that the CBSS could assist with the bolstering of the programme's national centres. The programme brings together 220 universities in the region, implementing joint projects and developing courses which could be directed to the promotion of sustainable development, however it needs state support.

In discussions various legislative failings were pointed out which, for example, in some countries do not allow students to obtain degrees by taking courses in a number of higher education institutions in the region. The Baltic Sea Region Studies programme was mentioned as a positive example - this is a course which is offered by the University of Latvia in collaboration with universities in Kaunas, Tartu and Turku. Attention was called to the need for closer links between higher education quality assessment agencies of countries. The problem of limited human resources was cited, as well as the potential for state institutions to exert influence on universities, and the fact that student mobility within the region - which would raise competitiveness - is not being encouraged. Co-operation between universities and the private sector is another aspect which has not yet been fully exploited.

The view was expressed that the implementation of Eurofaculty projects brings not only political benefits and promotes changes in the educational system, but also contributes academically, therefore these projects in the future could be implemented not only within the region, but outside it also - in Ukraine and Belorussia, for example.

During the course of the meeting the Baltic Academic Network project was presented, the aims of which are to unite university information systems, to reduce the "digital gap" between Baltic and Scandinavian higher education institutions, and to stop the flow of educated people away from the region, i..e. brain drain.

Participants at the meeting expressed support for the intention of the Ministry of Education and Science to form and to assemble during the Latvian presidency of CBSS an ad hoc Working Group. The working group will have as its members not only civil servants, but also representatives of educational networks. It will continue the debates initiated at this present meeting, and will consider common aims, harmonisation of legislation and other issues.

The discussion was attended by representatives of regional co-operation networks, NGO's, higher education institutions and ministries. The meeting was organised because the Latvian presidency of the CBSS has proposed as one of its priorities the enhancement of competitiveness of regional educational institutions, both at European and also global level. It can be expected that as a result of the reforms in the CBSS, education will continue to be one of the main forms of co-operation in the future as well.

Latvia has held the CBSS presidency since 1 July last year. Its presidency will end with the summit of CBSS Heads of Government, which is to take place on 3-4 June in Riga.

The CBSS, which was established on 5 March 1992, is an overall political forum for regional intergovernmental co-operation. The CBSS is made up of 11 states of the Baltic Sea region: Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany. Poland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Russia, as well as the European Commission.

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