Conclusions from Working Group 2:

(part 2)The Changing Academic

Community and its Relation to Stakeholders

Chair:Millicent Poole

Vice- ChancellorEdith Cowan University

Australia

…2…

Main issues discussed

The changing definition of external stakeholders From local to international The implications in terms of managing relationships The notion of complex matrix of choice and priorities

Managing pressures, tensions and risks Different pressures from different stakeholder groups Tensions in terms of competition versus collaboration Risks of modifying/endangering core values and the very

nature of the university

…3…

Main issues discussed

Stakeholder management Importance of identifying and targeting stakeholders

according to the strategic objectives of the institution Importance of analysing and managing stakeholders’

expectations and values Need to establish specific structures to manage the

relationships Challenges of transnational and international

relationships

…4…

Recommendations

Higher education institutions should: Map their stakeholder relationships in terms of

high, medium or low priority Establish strategies for stakeholder management

and a process/methodology to evaluate the relationships and the benefits to their mission

Ensure that the institution’s core values are maintained yet responsive to the new environment

…5…

Open question

How to move from stakeholder partnerships to alliances and networks? The question of values The question of commitment and engagement The need for trust The question of long-term objectives and

positioning Stategies of risk assessment and exit