BALTIC SEA REGION UNIVERSITY NETWORK
BALTIC SEA REGION UNIVERSITY
NETWORK
Kari Hyppönen
Chairman of Steering Committee
Bilateral Co-operation Agreements
St. Petersburg State University
1966
University of Gdansk
1979
University of Rostock
1981
University of Tartu
1987
Gdansk University of Technology
1991
Vilnius University
1992
Baltic Sea Region University Network
BSRUN
Background and Rationale
• university,
city and region interest in the Baltic Sea
region
• enlargement of the EU
• not just another TEMPUS project
• learning from your neighbours
• cross-border co-operation
Background and Rationale
• to
enhance interest in the region
• to market the region elsewhere
• to enhance co-operation between networks
• facilitator
• exchange of experiences, best practices and
new ideas
• to establish new institutional links
Background and Rationale
• loose umbrella organisation
• to pick and choose according to one's wishes and
needs
• variety of institutional profiles
• only small secretariat
• host university covers coordination expenses
• participants cover their own expenses
Baltic Sea Region University Network
• 28 Feb 2000 Turku and 15 universities from Estonia, Latvia,
Lithuania, Poland and Russia
Saaremaa University Centre
• University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (2002)
Braniewo Centre
• Baltic Fishing Fleet State Academy, Herzen State Pedagogical University of
Russia, ISM University of Management and Economics, Kaliningrad State
Technical University and Pultusk Academy of Humanities (2003)
• Grodno State Agrarian University (2004)
Baltic Sea Region University Network
• Belarusian State Agricultural Academy, Grodno State Medical University,
Kaunas University of Medicine, Latvia University of Agriculture, Lithuanian
University of Agriculture, Šiauliai University, University of Warsaw, Vilnius
Academy of Arts, Vilnius Pedagogical University and Yanka Kupala
State University of Grodno (2005)
• Petrozavodsk State University, St.Petersburg University of Information
Technologies, Mechanics and Optics, Turku School of Economics, Vytautas
Magnus University and Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University (2006)
• Mykolas Romeris University (2007)
• Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (2008)
Baltic Sea Region University Network
BELARUS
 Belarusian State Agricultural Academy
 Grodno State Agrarian University
 Grodno State Medical University
 Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
ESTONIA
 Estonian University of Life Sciences
 Tallinn University of Technology
 Tallinn University
 University of Tartu
FINLAND
 Turku School of Economics
 University of Turku
Baltic Sea Region University Network
LATVIA
 Latvia University of Agriculture
 Riga Technical University
 University of Latvia
LITHUANIA
 ISM University of Management and Economics
 Kaunas University of Medicine
 Kaunas University of Technology
 Klaipeda University
 Lithuanian University of Agriculture
 Mykolas Romeris University
 Šiauliai University
 Vilnius Academy of Arts
 Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
 Vilnius Pedagogical University
 Vilnius University
 Vytautas Magnus University
Baltic Sea Region University Network
POLAND
 Gdansk University of Technology
 Medical University of Gdansk
 Pultusk Academy of Humanities
 University of Gdansk
 University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (UWM)
 University of Warsaw
 Warsaw School of Economics
Baltic Sea Region University Network
RUSSIA
 Baltic Fishing Fleet State Academy
 Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia
 Immanuel Kant State University of Russia
 Kaliningrad State Technical University
 Petrozavodsk State University
 St. Petersburg State University
 St. Petersburg University of Information Technologies, Mechanics
and Optics
 Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University
Focus of Co-operation
• Baltic Studies and Baltic Sea Region studies
• Distance Education and Open and Distance Learning
• European Integration and European Studies
• Institutional Management and Administration
• Internationalisation
• Management Information Systems and Information
Technology
• Regional Development
The Baltic Sea Region University Network
www.bsrun.org
• Front
page
 News
 Looking for a partner
 Saaremaa University Centre
 Vacancies
• General information
 Agreement
• Members
• Organisation
 Contacts
 Steering Committee
• Activities
 Seminars and Meetings
 Joint Research projects
 Fields of study
 Courses in English
Steering Committee 2008-2010
Members (Substitutes)
• Estonian University of Life Sciences (University of Tartu)
• I. Kant State University of Russia (Kaliningrad State Technical University)
• Klaipeda University (Vilnius Pedagogical University)
• St. Petersburg State University (Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia)
• Šiauliai University (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University)
• University of Gdansk (Gdansk University of Technology)
• University of Latvia (Riga Technical University)
• University of Turku (Turku School of Economics)
• University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Warsaw School of Economics)
• Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno (Grodno State Agrarian University)
Steering Committee
Chairman
Kari Hyppönen
Director of Administration
University of Turku
Vice-Chairman
Janis Stonis
Director of Administration
University of Latvia
Estonian University of Life Sciences
Külli Kõrgesaar
International Relations Officer
University of Gdansk
Professor Bernard Lammek
Rector
Immanuel Kant State University of Russia
Igor Joukovski
University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
Professor Janusz Golaszewski
Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Environmental
Management and Agriculture
Head of International Office
Klaipeda University
Director (act) Nora Venslovaitė
International Relations' Office
Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
Director Alexander Ivanov
Center for International Development and
St. Petersburg State University
Dr. Stanislav Tkachenko
Professor
Collaboration
Šiauliai University
Director Regina Karvelienė
Department of International Programmes and
Relations
Secretary
Aila Grönholm
University of Turku
Activities
Baltic Seminar of University Administrators BSUA
• Riga, Latvia, 14-16 September 2000
• Kaunas, Lithuania, 7-8 May 2001
• Tartu, Estonia, 6-7 May 2002
• Kaliningrad, Russia, 16-17 May 2003
• Warsaw, Poland, 14-15 May 2004
• Vilnius, Lithuania, 13-14 May 2005
• St. Petersburg, Russia, 12-13 May 2006
• Turku, Finland, 11-12 May 2007
• Gdansk, Poland, 16-17 May 2008
• Riga, Latvia, 14-15 May 2009
Activities
2000
• The Role of the University in the Development of Regional Policy
Juodkrante, Lithuania, 13-14 June 2000
• Baltic Seminar of University Administrators (BSUA)
Riga, Latvia, 14-16 September 2000
2001
• Baltic Seminar of University Administrators (BSUA)
Kaunas, Lithuania, 7-8 May 2001
• Senior Management Seminar
Seminar was intended for the representatives of the University of Latvia,
Riga Technical University, University of Tartu and the University of Turku
Kuressaare, Estonia, 11-13 October 2001
Activities
2002
• Plenary Meeting
Gdansk, Poland, 4-5 March 2002
• Baltic Seminar of University Administrators (BSUA)
Tartu, Estonia, 6-7 May 2002
• Workshop on Current Topics in European Research Management
Turku, Finland, 27-28 May 2002
• Senior Management Seminar
Seminar was intended for the representatives of the University of Latvia,
Riga Technical University and the University of Turku
Riga, Latvia, 11-12 October 2002
• Student Administration and Computing
Olsztyn, Poland, 25-26 October 2002
Activities
2003
• Baltic Seminar of University Administrators (BSUA)
Academic Leadership and University Management
Kaliningrad, Russia, 16-17 May 2003
• Senior Management Seminar
Seminar was intended for the representatives of the University of Latvia and
the University of Turku,
Kuressaare, Estonia, 19-20 September 2003
• University PR and the Media
Riga, Latvia, 3-4 October 2003
• Research Support Services Promoting Exploitation of University
Expertise
Riga, Latvia, 3-4 October 2003
Activities
2004
• Plenary Meeting
Riga, Latvia, 5-6 March 2004
• Faculty Management Seminar
Kuressaare, 6-7 May 2004
• Baltic Seminar of University Administrators (BSUA)
Financial Management of Universities
Warsaw, Poland, 14-15 May 2004
• Good Scientific Practice – BSRUN Workshop on Research Ethics
Turku, Finland, 12-13 November 2004
• Doctoral Studies as Part of the Bologna Process
Klaipeda, Lithuania, 10-11 December 2004
Activities
2005
• Enlarged European Union in House of Europe: New Internal and
External Problems
Kaunas, Lithuania, 6 May 2005
• Baltic Seminar of University Administrators (BSUA)
Implementing Institutional Strategy: Problems and Solutions
Vilnius, Lithuania, 13-14 May 2005
• PhD Programmes in Cultural Interaction and Integration and
the Baltic Sea Region
Tartu, Estonia, 7-9 September 2005
• PhD Programmes in Medicine and Health Sciences
Kaunas, Lithuania, 16-17 September 2005
• The Use of Information Technology in Research Management
Tartu, Estonia, 21-22 October 2005
Activities
2006
• Faculty Management and Administration
Kuressaare, Estonia, 13-14 January 2006
• Cultural Impact on Sensory Properties and Values in Baltic Sea
Region
Kaunas, Lithuania, 23 January 2006
• Plenary Meeting
Tallinn, Estonia, 24-25 March 2006
• Universities as Active Agents in the Social and Economic
Development of the Regions
Grodno, Belarus, 21-22 April 2006
• Baltic Seminar of University Administrators (BSUA)
Implementation of the Bologna Process, Quality Assurance and
Accreditation
St. Petersburg, Russia, 12-13 May 2006
Activities
2006
• Cross-cultural Differences in Food Consumption
Kaunas, Lithuania, 30-31 May 2006
• Problems of Internationalisation of University Education: View
from Russia and the European Union
Svetlogorsk, Russia, 5-6 June 2006
• Health Profiling, Healthy Ageing and Health Impact Assessment
(Baltic Region Healthy Cities and BSRUN)
Kaunas, Lithuania, 16-17 June 2006
• Quality and Qualifications in Translation and Interpreting
Vilnius, Lithuania, 7-8 December 2006
• Marketing BSRUN Universities in the Baltic Sea Region and
Beyond
Riga, Latvia, 11 December 2006
Activities
2007
• Healthy Ageing - Active Ageing
(Baltic Region Healthy Cities and BSRUN)
Pärnu, Estonia, 26 April 2007
• Baltic Seminar of University Administrators (BSUA)
University – City Co-operation
Turku, Finland, 11-12 May 2007
• Towards Dynamic Interaction of Municipalities, Enterprises and
Universities
Kuressaare, Estonia, 20 June 2007
• The Recent Development of the EU: Challenges and Experience
Klaipeda, Lithuania, 11-12 October 2007
• Quality and Qualifications in Translation and Interpreting II
Tallinn, Estonia, 29-30 November 2007
Activities
2008
• Plenary Meeting
Kaliningrad, Russia, 13-14 March 2008
• Healthy Ageing – Active Ageing II
(Baltic Region Healthy Cities and BSRUN)
Jurmala, Latvia, 17-18 April 2008
• Seminar on Tolerance
25 April 2008
BSRUN session at Seminar on Tolerance and Intolerance
in the Modern World: The East – the West
St. Petersburg, Russia, 24-25 April 2008
• Baltic Seminar of University Administrators (BSUA)
Branding Universities and Place Promotion
(EAIR and BSRUN)
Gdansk, Poland, 16-17 May 2008
• University, City, Region: Perspectives of Interaction
Grodno, Belarus, 12-14 September 2008
Activities
2008
• Modelling the European Future: Integrating the Old and the New
Klaipeda, Lithuania, 2-3 October 2008
• Quality and Qualifications in Translation and Interpreting III
Kaliningrad, Russia, 8-9 October 2008
• BSRUN Round-Table on Baltic Sea Strategy
(Centrum Balticum and BSRUN)
Turku, Finland, 28 November 2008
Activities
2009
• Baltic Seminar of University Administrators (BSUA)
Role of Governing Bodies in Higher Education. Recent
Developments in Higher Education
Riga, Latvia, 14-15 May 2009
Future Activities
• Topical Issues in the Internationalisation of Higher Education
- Creating New Identities for Institutions through Internationalisation
- Regional Universities: Issues of Visibility and International Recognition
- Technology Education Today: Crisis or Development?
Novgorod, Russia, 18-19 May 2009
• Quality and Qualifications in Translation and Interpreting IV
Grodno, Belarus, 8-9 October 2009
• Social Sciences in Global World: Possibilities, Challenges and
Perspectives
Klaipeda, Lithuania, 8-9 October 2009
• External Relations
- Business Relations / - Media Relations
Warsaw, Poland, 10-11 December 2009
• Financial Management in the Current Economic Situation
Autumn 2009
• Plenary Meeting
Turku, Finland, February 2010
Evaluation of BSRUN
Alternative development scenarios
• Network for university administrators
• Broad platform for university co-operation
• Network for development in particular field/s
Evaluation of BSRUN
Geographical development of the network
1.
Concentrate on eastern side of the Baltic Sea
2.
Develop network around all countries by the Baltic Sea
Evaluation of BSRUN
Type of institution development of the network
1.
Keep the diversified profile of the network
2.
Develop network as a network of big, multi-field universities
3.
Develop network as a network of public higher education
institutions
Evaluation of BSRUN
Steering the network
1. Network is steered by Steering Committee, having
rotating chairmanship of the Steering Committee
2. Network is steered by rotating Presidency of the network
3. Network has Steering Committee with rotating
chairmanship as well as Presidency with designated President of
the network
Evaluation of BSRUN
Financing of the network
Direct costs
Direct costs covered by the participants but additional sources of
funding should be explored
Indirect costs
1. could be covered by one of the networking institutions
2. could be covered by fixed fee from member institutions
3. could be covered by the institutions having rotating chairmanship
of Steering Committee or Presidency
Joint Research Projects
• A.S.A.P. – Efficient Administrative Structures as a Prerequisite
for Successful Economic and Social Development of Rural Areas
in Demographic Transition
Due to their generally lower economic potential, rural areas are especially
dependent on effective public sector strategies in order to safeguard economic
and social development. Demographic transition often creates further
challenges for the regional development of rural areas.
Basic prerequisites for rural development are efficient administrative structures
at the regional and local level which are capable of creating and implementing
adjusted policies. It has also been acknowledged by both researchers and
policy makers that knowledge is one of the key factors for regional prosperity in
the 21st century.
Local availability of knowledge and skills is as important as physical
infrastructure. This is why the demand for the universities’ “third task”, meaning
active interaction with regional stakeholders, has emerged.
The project lays foundations for more effective and sustainable administrative
support for rural development by a) strengthening the utilisation of advanced
forms of ICT b) developing strategies for meeting the challenges of the
demographic change and c) linking universities to regional development
processes. The aim is to create a transnational platform for exchange of
experiences on administrative reform and universities’ contribution to regional
development with special focus on the demands of rural areas.
All together 37 partners from the seven Baltic Sea countries (Finland, Estonia,
Latvia, Russia, Germany, Denmark and Sweden) participate in the project
including the BSRUN members: University of Turku, Saaremaa University
Centre and Riga Technical University. The project is part-financed by the BSR
Interreg III B Neighbourhood Programme. The implementation period is
1.1.2006 – 31.12.2007.
LIGHTHOUSE TOURISM IN THE ARCHIPELAGOES OF
SOUTH-WEST FINLAND AND ESTONIA
www.lighthousetourism.net
• In Finland there are 60 lighthouses, of which Bengtskär, Isokari,
Söderskär and Utö participate in the project.
• In Estonia there are 61 lighthouses, of which only the Hiiumaa
lighthouses Kõpu, Ristna and Tahkuna, are open to the public.
The project will
• increase know-how on administration and exploitation of lighthouses
and their surroundings.
• ease the reaching of the lighthouses by creating usage plans for the
surrounding areas and by setting up road signs and information boards.
• organise training to cooperation partners of lighthouses, especially
entrepreneurs.
• develop lighthouse tourism products and open marketing channels for
them.
Partners and timetable
University of Turku in Finland and Eurohouse in Estonia are the lead
partners of the project. Other partners in Finland and Estonia are many
municipalities, state organizations and local entrepreneurs and
Saaremaa University Centre.
The project takes place 1.4.-31.12.2007.
Financing
The joint budget of the project is 79 226 €. The project is funded mainly
by the EU program Interreg IIIA of South-Finland and Estonia. National
funding comes from the ministries of internal affairs in Finland and
Estonia. In addition the partners of the project provide funding.
THE UNIVERSITY-REGION COOPERATION NETWORK
OF SOUTHWEST FINLAND AND SAAREMAA
Background
Universities are important regional resources due to their international
networks, project management experience and versatile expertise and
research. Viable business, on the other hand, is an essential part in building
the well-being of municipalities and regions. However, experience has
shown that the cooperation between universities, entrepreneurs,
municipalities and development centres is often difficult. Universities have to
learn to develop their role in society.
The cooperation between Finnish and Estonian universities is a potential
resource in developing the Baltic Sea region and its learning network. The
Saaremaa University Centre was established in September 1997 by the
University of Turku, University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology,
Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tallinn University and Saaremaa
County Government. It is a regional resource worth its five member
universities. The full regional development potential of the Centre has not yet
actualized either in Saaremaa region or in the Baltic Sea region.
Aims and operations
The general aim of the project is to reinforce the cross-border cooperation
between the member universities of the Saaremaa University Centre and
regional development authorities of Southwest Finland and Saaremaa. In
addition, the goal is to develop and compare the operations models
between universities and regional actors in order to reinforce efficiency in
development work. The official project partners are University of Turku as
the Coordinator and Saaremaa University Centre and the project is carried
out during 1.4. - 31.12.2007.
The main goal is to elaborate the preconditions for establishing a region–
university cooperation network between the universities and regional
development authorities in Southwest Finland and Saaremaa. The crossborder cooperation network would create new links between universities,
regional development authorities and local business. In addition the
network would strengthen the learning environment in the central Baltic
Sea region. To pilot international university–region cooperation, the project
formulates a model for the cooperation between the member universities
of the Saaremaa University Centre and Saaremaa regional development
authorities. In addition, a development plan for the Saaremaa University
Centre is formulated.
Financing
The overall budget for the project is c.a. 57 000 €. Majority of the funds is
received from the INTERREG IIIA Southern Finland – Estonia
Programme and the project is co-financed by the Finnish Ministry of the
Education and Estonian Ministry of the Interior.
Memorandum
based on the discussions at the Baltic Sea Region University Network
(BSRUN) seminar on Doctoral Studies as Part of the Bologna Process
organized at Klaipeda University on 10-11 December 2004
At the seminar, the present and the future of postgraduate studies in Estonia,
Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia were examined. What is now
needed are a more detailed analysis and comparison of the existing regulations of
PhD/Dr. studies at various levels in these countries (legislation, ministry and
university regulations).
In some academic fields in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania there is a lack of
qualified experts in one particular country. Herewith, the presence of highly
qualified scientists in several research areas naturally calls to explore
opportunities for enhanced international co-operation in the organization of
PhD/Dr. studies including joint degrees and development of such a research area
within BSRUN and EU.
The degree to which PhD/Dr. studies are regulated by legislation or by
central authorities should also be evaluated from the point of view of
university autonomy and good scientific practice. In many countries, the
more detailed regulations concerning PhD/Dr. studies are left to the
academic community to decide.
Joint efforts are needed to secure international and national funding for
jointly organized courses, doctoral schools and PhD/Dr. boards.
International co-operation in the organization of joint PhD/Dr. studies would
also enhance the quality and quantity of PhD degrees, when proper quality
assurance mechanisms are put in place.
Klaipeda,
05-01-2005