From collaboration to strategic partnership : developing the FULL network within a European University alliance
Kananen, Päivi (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025060921736
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025060921736
Tiivistelmä
This action research explored how the FORTHEM University Lifelong Learning (FULL) network could evolve from a tactical collaboration model to a sustainable strategic partnership within the European Universities alliance. Subscribed by the University of Jyväskylä, the study aimed to identify institutional and operational enablers and barriers to this transition. Conducted in three iterative cycles, the research produced a strategic roadmap and led to a significant structural change: the FULL network was streamlined from nine to five committed partner universities. The subscriber expressed satisfaction with the FULL network’s development and direction.
The findings, based on interviews and questionnaires, revealed strong commitment among the core partners—Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) , University of Jyväskylä (JYU), Université Bourgogne Europe (UBE), Universitetet i Agder (UiA), and Latvijas Universitāte (UL)—to deepen collaboration. The study identified key institutional and operational prerequisites for long-term strategic partnership, including the need for a unified operational framework, standardized legal and financial procedures, and streamlined administrative systems. Addressing challenges in legal, financial, digital, and cultural areas requires collaborative development.
The research also examined how lifelong learning could be integrated with research, development, and innovation (RDI). While the concept was new to some, partners showed growing interest. The roadmap recommends launching interdisciplinary projects targeting EU and international funding, and designing modular, research-based learning offerings for public and private sectors.
Although only three research cycles were completed, the approach proved effective and impactful. A fourth cycle is planned for autumn 2025. The research not only answered all posed questions but also generated actionable knowledge and meaningful change. It strengthened trust among partners, secured leadership support, and laid a solid foundation for the FULL network’s future as a model for strategic collaboration in European higher education.
The findings, based on interviews and questionnaires, revealed strong commitment among the core partners—Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) , University of Jyväskylä (JYU), Université Bourgogne Europe (UBE), Universitetet i Agder (UiA), and Latvijas Universitāte (UL)—to deepen collaboration. The study identified key institutional and operational prerequisites for long-term strategic partnership, including the need for a unified operational framework, standardized legal and financial procedures, and streamlined administrative systems. Addressing challenges in legal, financial, digital, and cultural areas requires collaborative development.
The research also examined how lifelong learning could be integrated with research, development, and innovation (RDI). While the concept was new to some, partners showed growing interest. The roadmap recommends launching interdisciplinary projects targeting EU and international funding, and designing modular, research-based learning offerings for public and private sectors.
Although only three research cycles were completed, the approach proved effective and impactful. A fourth cycle is planned for autumn 2025. The research not only answered all posed questions but also generated actionable knowledge and meaningful change. It strengthened trust among partners, secured leadership support, and laid a solid foundation for the FULL network’s future as a model for strategic collaboration in European higher education.