University alliances, a key pillar in shaping the future of education

In an educational landscape marked by rapid changes and global challenges, European university alliances are becoming essential structures for transnational cooperation, educational innovation, and the increase of the competitiveness of academic institutions. The international conference „Reflexivity in Higher Education: Liberation or entrapment?”, organized by the University of Bucharest in partnership with the CIVIS and CIVICA alliances, brought together numerous experts to discuss the impact of academic reflexivity on the future of universities and the role of European alliances in this process.

Reflexivity in education: between liberation and entrapment

One of the central themes of the conference was academic reflexivity, specifically universities’ ability to critically analyze their structures, processes, and developmental directions. Professor Romiță Iucu, PhD, President of the University’s Board of Trustees, UB Representative in the Steering Committee and Civis Educational Council, and faculty member at the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, explained the significance of this concept:

„Academic reflexivity represents the practice of self-examination and critical reflection regarding the organization, governance, and activities of universities, including the teaching and learning process. In this period, as European alliances take shape, this becomes increasingly crucial.”

He also highlighted one of the major challenges of reflexivity, balancing innovation and bureaucracy:

„The conference aims to explore whether reflexivity serves as a vehicle for liberation, fostering individual and institutional innovation and progress, or whether it acts as a potential trap that complicates the decision-making process, policy implementation, and overall actions.”

 

University alliances: the future of education in Europe

Associate Professor Sorin Costreie, PhD, coordinator of the CIVIS Alliance at UB, President of the Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe – UNICA, and faculty member at the Faculty of Philosophy at UB, discussed the role of European university alliances such as CIVIS and CIVICA as drivers of change and transnational cooperation:

„Looking at the European higher education landscape today, after Erasmus and Bologna, we are facing the third major movement: the European Universities Initiative. This initiative will change the world—our world. Therefore, this is a good moment to reflect. In 20 to 30 years, we may have mega-alliances. That means alliances from alliances, alliances composed from the previous alliance.”

This evolution will push universities to rethink their educational strategies, student mobility opportunities, and the integration of academic resources on a European level.

The impact of alliances on education and research

Another key discussion point was the relationship between university alliances and the quality of higher education. Ligia Deca, Minister of Education at the time and current Secretary General of Romania’ National Commission for UNESCO, emphasized that these alliances emerged at a critical moment for the future of European academic cooperation:

„University alliances came at a time in which we had a bit of a crisis of thinking about the future of European cooperation in higher education. And I am very glad that the discussion about the future of higher education is so intrinsically linked to the discussion about the future of academic institutions.”

Furthermore, she stressed that universities must reassess their academic values in a rapidly changing world:

„Defining and measuring academic values are essential for the progress of universities. Professor Vlăsceanu (Lazăr Vlăsceanu, one of Romania’s most prominent sociologists in recent decades and a pioneer of European higher education) spoke about the need for a clear construction of university autonomy, academic freedoms, and intellectual property rights.”

Reflections on the balance between teaching and research, the connection between academia and the job market, and universities’ positioning in international rankings are crucial aspects of the debate on the future of education. This perspective was also echoed by the Rector of the University of Bucharest, Professor Marian Preda, PhD:

„We are focusing on integrating our experiences and resources at a European level, within European alliances, joint-degree programs, and European policies for higher education. This is all in response to the demands of the European job market and economic requirements. These efforts take place in a context where nations and cultures are coming together to build a stronger economic and educational foundation, in search of solutions for the future.”

One of the key challenges highlighted at the conference was the position of Romanian universities in relation to European standards. Professor Mihai Păunescu, PhD, Vice-Rector of SNSPA and member of the CIVICA European alliance, pointed out that a university’s success depends not only on financial resources but also on its organizational and administrative structure:

„We keep an eye on university rankings and wonder why Romanian higher education struggles to rank among the top institutions. And that has to do with the organization of higher education and how institutions are shaped. But we are lucky at the same time that these alliance allow us to share best practices and hopefully align our methods with the highest standards.”

This is not only a chance for growth at the European level but also a crucial step toward global competitiveness.

„The goal is not just to become competitive at the European level but also globally. It is definitely an opportunity for us to be part of these alliances. And I am not speaking in financial terms, but in terms of the opportunities to make connections, learn from best practices and truly become reflexive in how we structure learning and research.”

In this context, the collaboration between CIVIS and CIVICA—two European university alliances that include Romanian institutions—represents a unique opportunity to bring Romania closer to international standards of academic excellence. The conference at the University of Bucharest demonstrated that European university alliances are not just tools for cooperation but also engines of change in higher education. By fostering a reflexive academic environment, universities can overcome current challenges and build a future based on innovation, excellence, and international collaboration.

As the conference participants emphasized, European alliances are not just about education—they are about the future of society. Building strong academic institutions, capable of adapting and innovating, is the key to a more competitive and better-prepared Europe for the global challenges of the 21st century.