The European university alliance EMERGE (Empowering the Margins of Europe through Regional and Global Engagement) consists of the University of Inland Norway (INN) and eight other institutions located in Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Slovakia, Cyprus, and Greece.
INN steps out
"Membership in EMERGE is an important step for INN. These are turbulent times globally – also within academia – and we have much to gain by strengthening our participation in European cooperation," says Rector Peer Jacob Svenkerud.
Such university alliances are part of the European Universities initiative and are primarily funded through Erasmus+. There are currently 65 alliances across 35 countries, involving over 570 higher education institutions.
"There are clear signals from Brussels that university alliances will be prioritised for future EU funding. Additionally, the university is taking a clear stance in support of European unity and values. This will strengthen us in every way," Svenkerud states.
What unites the EMERGE members is that all institutions are located in regional areas with more 'marginalised' communities. The goal is to strengthen the margins of Europe through collaboration in education, research, and societal engagement.
"I would like to thank all our colleagues who have worked diligently over several years towards EMERGE membership and achieving funding as a ‘European University’. You have secured a strong position for INN moving forward," concludes Svenkerud.
Building the alliance
"One of the aims of participating in EMERGE is to ensure that both students and staff experience INN as an internationally oriented institution in their daily lives. Students will encounter international perspectives throughout their studies and in the classroom, we will conduct research in partnership with international collaborators, and both students and staff should easily find exchange opportunities," explains Pro-Rector for Education Stine Grønvold.
Focusing on internationalisation within Europe – including in the realm of education – has become particularly relevant in today’s geopolitical climate.
"We are seeing increasing pressure on our democratic values, and part of building resilient societies is the ability to see and listen to others. That means we need to stick our heads out, engage in discussions, and explore how our perceptions are understood by those who see the world differently from us," says Grønvold.
EMERGE also aims to strengthen each of the regions where the member institutions are located, by involving local actors from both civil society and working life.
"We want to keep our doors open, so that both students and staff can invite others in – and so that we become good at inviting ourselves out," Grønvold continues.
In Innlandet County, for example, the county council, the Nansen Academy, Skåppå, Klosser innovasjon, Rollsløkken Primary School and Børstad Lower Secondary School are already alliance partners.
"The aim is to shape student activity in ways that promote learning through engagement with what happens beyond our own walls – in working life and in society," Grønvold explains.
Europe grows stronger through cooperation
"The world today is marked by growing unrest and global uncertainty – including in higher education. In this context, close European cooperation is more important than ever," says Gregory Ferguson-Cradler, Associate Professor and Programme Coordinator for International Studies at INN.
There is no doubt that the EU shares this vision.
The official aim of the European Universities initiative is to increase the international competitiveness of European higher education institutions and to promote European values and identity.
"EMERGE gives us the opportunity to expand existing academic networks and develop projects with new partners. We look forward to getting to know other academic communities and hope to facilitate both physical and digital meeting spaces that will build connections between students at INN and elsewhere in Europe," Ferguson-Cradler concludes.
In the time ahead, work will continue across the member institutions through various work packages to establish joint educational offerings, connect research communities, increase mobility among students and staff, and develop partnerships with regional and global actors.
This is only the beginning of what is hopefully long-term institution building spanning decades – and through EMERGE, INN stands firmly with one foot in Innlandet and one foot in Europe.
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Contact information:
- bente.gaalaas.ronningen@inn.no
- Phone
- +47 62 51 76 00