Institutional autonomy,regulatory frameworks and incentives
Enora Bennetot PruvotProgramme Manager
Governance, Autonomy & Funding
“Governance and Diversification of Funding in Higher Education”
University of Cyprus09.03.2011
Key questions
What exactly do we mean by autonomy?What is the link between autonomy and income diversification?How does Cyprus compare to the rest of Europe?What do universities want public authorities to do?Recommendations for improved frameworksAn example of smart funding incentive
Four dimensions of autonomy
…3…
Autonomy, a pre-requisite for income
diversificaton
Positive correlation between autonomy and diversification:• Financial autonomy is key to allow university to develop
partnerships, borrow money, keep surpluses• Staffing autonomy is key to recruit the adequate staff profiles
BUT: Holistic reforms needed, accompanied with appropriate support for skills and structure development
Autonomy Scorecardoverall autonomy
1
3
2
4
Financial autonomy indicators
Financial autonomy indicator Cyprus
Funding cycleFunding modalities
Yearly cycle Line-item budget
Ability to keep surplus on main public funding No ability to keep surplus
Ability to borrow money on financial market
Yes, with approval on amount & terms
Ability to own buildings Yes but sale only on approvalAbility to charge tuition fees Level set by external authority
What can public authorities do?
RecommendationsImprove framework conditions
Governance structures: universities need to be able to modify the organisation of their governing bodies
The inclusion of external stakeholders may foster the development of long-term partnerships
Appropriate skills and representation on Governing Bodies: possiblity to decide on selection of members, especially when external?
Inadequate or inflexible governance structures are a reason for creating separate legal entities
Recommendations
Improve funding modalities: Simplification of funding schemes Funding on a full cost basis
Implement smart funding incentives: Matched funding schemes: instrument with much potential, under-
used in Europe
• Support the development of full costing in universities
Recommendations
Support leadership development and professionalisation of management
HR: support functions (research support and administration; fundraising experts; knowledge transfer officers, etc)
Leadership: exchange programmes, professionalisation schemes, professional events
An example of smart funding incentive
The Norwegian Donation Reinforcement Programme
Matching government funds (25%) for donations for basic research
Adopted by Norwegian Parliament in June 2005; effective in National Budget of 2006
Guidelines altered June 2008
For: Norwegian universities Norwegian university colleges that award doctorates The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters The Research Council of Norway
Conditions of the Donation Reinforcement Programme
Who can donate?
Foundations and charities (from 2007)
Enterprises (from 2006)
Private individuals (from 2006)
Which donations qualify?Donations for long-term basic research
Cannot fund research directly benefiting donor’s business activities
Must be at least NOK 3 million (€ 0,35 million)
