This article describes the legal framework for the evaluation of universities in Italy and examin... more This article describes the legal framework for the evaluation of universities in Italy and examines its impact on the structure of power in Italian higher education
International Review of Administrative Sciences, Mar 1, 2005
In theory, the Conseil d'administration in France and the Senato Accademico and the Consiglio di ... more In theory, the Conseil d'administration in France and the Senato Accademico and the Consiglio di Amministrazione in Italy constitute the most powerful organs of government within the universities but their actual power can be limited. In fact, they are subject to a number of structural weaknesses. The first arises from their heterogeneous composition. The second is due to the fact that they are compelled to take into account decisions taken by faculty councils. The third relates to the spread of a presidential model of governance in the majority of universities in both countries. Without legislative reform, the Président-Rettore, who embodies the executive function-has a wide range of means enabling him/her to dominate the legislature. Should such a regime be institutionalized? Should additional roles be given to the existing legislative bodies, those of supervisor and evaluator, supported by the power to sanction using a form of 'censure motion'? Universities are granted statutory autonomy under the law (Law of 1984 in France, Law of 1989 in Italy). The law, however, compels them to equip themselves with a constitution setting out their principles and their objectives, creating governing bodies and organizational structures (faculties, research centres, services). The law imposes a traditional democratic regime. It compels universities to differentiate between the executive function (assumed by the Président or the Rettore) and the legislative function (fulfilled by one or more councils). Statutory autonomy nevertheless implies that each university may determine, at least in part, the powers and operation of its governing bodies. Different situations can and do exist. This article will analyze the legislative function, the role of the Conseil d'administration (CA) in France and that of the Senato Accademico (SA) and the Consiglio di
The paper deals with transformations in Italian higher education system related to the introducti... more The paper deals with transformations in Italian higher education system related to the introduction of university evaluation. After examining some of the main characteristics of the past centralized steering model, the authors discuss problems and effects determined by the evaluation practices realized in four Italian universities. Some aspects related to different disciplines, self-steering characters of universities and management principles of rectors are stressed. Starting from this base, the paper outlines some more general features and tendencies of university's evaluation in Italy and focusses on the role of central evaluation structures, on the relation between external and self-evaluation and on the present and potential role of the ministry of university.
The research focuses on identifying challenges and lessons from distance learning experiences in ... more The research focuses on identifying challenges and lessons from distance learning experiences in Italy during COVID-19, on opportunities emerging from a more digitalized school in the post-COVID-19 crisis, and on preparedness for potential future emergencies. The study aims to analyze different teachers’ experiences, perceptions, and perspectives on distance learning and provide suggestions for addressing crises and emergencies. An online survey based on a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted targeting primary and secondary school teachers and including schools whose students are only from urban contexts and schools where students are also from rural areas. The main results indicated that teachers were resilient and proactive and found strategies and good practices to deal with distance learning, although several open technological and pedagogical challenges remain unsolved. Finally, some recommended priority actions for stakeholders and policymakers have been provided to fac...
Comment mieux gouverner les universites ? En leur donnant un systeme de gouvernement qui puisse m... more Comment mieux gouverner les universites ? En leur donnant un systeme de gouvernement qui puisse mieux utiliser les ressources financieres, humaines et materielles mises a leur disposition pour remplir leurs missions. Ce livre analyse le gouvernement des universites en France et en Italie, a partir d'un point d'entree : celui de la transformation du role des recteurs et des presidents d'universite (plus de 70 ont ete interviewes). Dans les deux pays, dans un contexte d'autonomie certaine mais limitee des universites par rapport a la puissance publique, on observe un renforcement, une diversification et une complexification de la fonction de recteur / president ; on identifie la montee en puissance d'un regime presidentiel dans lequel l'executif (le recteur et le president) conquiert et assume certaines des prerogatives du legislatif (le/les conseils deliberatifs). Ce livre analyse et prend partie ; les auteurs sont favorables a la presidentialisation du gouver...
Universities are presently considered vital players in the transfer of knowledge, innovation and ... more Universities are presently considered vital players in the transfer of knowledge, innovation and technology to the economy. This is one of the roots of the diffuse reform processes evident in most European tertiary sectors. In almost 25 years Italian universities have experienced many changes that deeply reshaped their academic institutions. Among other aspects, the need to make an adequate contribution in answer to the demands of society led to an extension and deepening of universities’ so-called Fourth Mission (Geiger, 2006; Kretz & Sá, 2013). A multifaceted set of activities were therefore introduced to strengthen the liaison between academia and society. In the past, this role was mainly concerned with granting patents to outsiders, but today universities are also increasingly dedicated to the creation and promotion of spin-off activities. These are instruments designed to respond to social pressures towards accountability and establish a dialogue with the economy through the s...
In the new Millennium Italian universities have lived many changes deeply reshaping academic inst... more In the new Millennium Italian universities have lived many changes deeply reshaping academic institutions. A relevant aspect was the more and more significant need to answer the demand of society and respond the social pressure to accountability through the transfer of knowledge, innovation and technology to economy. It led to an extension of the so-called university Fourth Mission, an instrument dedicated to create spin-offs to share scientific research results with society. The paper investigates the present reality of university spin-offs in Italy by considering their growing number also in the light of their role of an instrument for academic job substitution. In particular, a tool to respond to the current condition of young Italian academic researchers increasingly affected by job offer reduction due to budget constraints, consequent university policies and new management issues.
In theory, the Conseil d’administration in France and the Senato Accademico and the Consiglio di ... more In theory, the Conseil d’administration in France and the Senato Accademico and the Consiglio di Amministrazione in Italy constitute the most powerful organs of government within the universities but their actual power can be limited. In fact, they are subject to a number of structural weaknesses. The first arises from their heterogeneous composition. The second is due to the fact that they are com-pelled to take into account decisions taken by faculty councils. The third relates to the spread of a presidential model of governance in the majority of universities in both countries. Without legislative reform, the Président — Rettore, who embodies the executive function — has a wide range of means enabling him/her to domi-nate the legislature. Should such a regime be institutionalized? Should additional roles be given to the existing legislative bodies, those of supervisor and evaluator, supported by the power to sanction using a form of ‘censure motion’? Universities are granted stat...
Pourquoi et comment mieux gouverner les universites ? Pourquoi ? Pour leur permettre de remplir m... more Pourquoi et comment mieux gouverner les universites ? Pourquoi ? Pour leur permettre de remplir mieux leurs missions de formation initiale et continue, de recherche fondamentale et appliquee. Comment ? En leur donnant un systeme de gouvernement capable d'optimiser les ressources financieres, humaines et materielles mises a leur disposition. Mieux gouverner pour rendre les universites plus performantes, plus efficientes et plus efficaces. Ce livre analyse le gouvernement des universites en France et en Italie, a partir d'un point d'entree : celui de la transformation du role des recteurs et des presidents d'universite. Dans les deux pays, dans un contexte d'autonomie croissant, on observe un renforcement, une diversification et une complexification de la fonction de recteur / president ; on identifie la montee en puissance d'un regime presidentiel dans lequel l'executif (le recteur ou le president) conquiert et assume certaines des prerogatives du legislat...
This article describes the legal framework for the evaluation of universities in Italy and examin... more This article describes the legal framework for the evaluation of universities in Italy and examines its impact on the structure of power in Italian higher education
International Review of Administrative Sciences, Mar 1, 2005
In theory, the Conseil d'administration in France and the Senato Accademico and the Consiglio di ... more In theory, the Conseil d'administration in France and the Senato Accademico and the Consiglio di Amministrazione in Italy constitute the most powerful organs of government within the universities but their actual power can be limited. In fact, they are subject to a number of structural weaknesses. The first arises from their heterogeneous composition. The second is due to the fact that they are compelled to take into account decisions taken by faculty councils. The third relates to the spread of a presidential model of governance in the majority of universities in both countries. Without legislative reform, the Président-Rettore, who embodies the executive function-has a wide range of means enabling him/her to dominate the legislature. Should such a regime be institutionalized? Should additional roles be given to the existing legislative bodies, those of supervisor and evaluator, supported by the power to sanction using a form of 'censure motion'? Universities are granted statutory autonomy under the law (Law of 1984 in France, Law of 1989 in Italy). The law, however, compels them to equip themselves with a constitution setting out their principles and their objectives, creating governing bodies and organizational structures (faculties, research centres, services). The law imposes a traditional democratic regime. It compels universities to differentiate between the executive function (assumed by the Président or the Rettore) and the legislative function (fulfilled by one or more councils). Statutory autonomy nevertheless implies that each university may determine, at least in part, the powers and operation of its governing bodies. Different situations can and do exist. This article will analyze the legislative function, the role of the Conseil d'administration (CA) in France and that of the Senato Accademico (SA) and the Consiglio di
The paper deals with transformations in Italian higher education system related to the introducti... more The paper deals with transformations in Italian higher education system related to the introduction of university evaluation. After examining some of the main characteristics of the past centralized steering model, the authors discuss problems and effects determined by the evaluation practices realized in four Italian universities. Some aspects related to different disciplines, self-steering characters of universities and management principles of rectors are stressed. Starting from this base, the paper outlines some more general features and tendencies of university's evaluation in Italy and focusses on the role of central evaluation structures, on the relation between external and self-evaluation and on the present and potential role of the ministry of university.
The research focuses on identifying challenges and lessons from distance learning experiences in ... more The research focuses on identifying challenges and lessons from distance learning experiences in Italy during COVID-19, on opportunities emerging from a more digitalized school in the post-COVID-19 crisis, and on preparedness for potential future emergencies. The study aims to analyze different teachers’ experiences, perceptions, and perspectives on distance learning and provide suggestions for addressing crises and emergencies. An online survey based on a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted targeting primary and secondary school teachers and including schools whose students are only from urban contexts and schools where students are also from rural areas. The main results indicated that teachers were resilient and proactive and found strategies and good practices to deal with distance learning, although several open technological and pedagogical challenges remain unsolved. Finally, some recommended priority actions for stakeholders and policymakers have been provided to fac...
Comment mieux gouverner les universites ? En leur donnant un systeme de gouvernement qui puisse m... more Comment mieux gouverner les universites ? En leur donnant un systeme de gouvernement qui puisse mieux utiliser les ressources financieres, humaines et materielles mises a leur disposition pour remplir leurs missions. Ce livre analyse le gouvernement des universites en France et en Italie, a partir d'un point d'entree : celui de la transformation du role des recteurs et des presidents d'universite (plus de 70 ont ete interviewes). Dans les deux pays, dans un contexte d'autonomie certaine mais limitee des universites par rapport a la puissance publique, on observe un renforcement, une diversification et une complexification de la fonction de recteur / president ; on identifie la montee en puissance d'un regime presidentiel dans lequel l'executif (le recteur et le president) conquiert et assume certaines des prerogatives du legislatif (le/les conseils deliberatifs). Ce livre analyse et prend partie ; les auteurs sont favorables a la presidentialisation du gouver...
Universities are presently considered vital players in the transfer of knowledge, innovation and ... more Universities are presently considered vital players in the transfer of knowledge, innovation and technology to the economy. This is one of the roots of the diffuse reform processes evident in most European tertiary sectors. In almost 25 years Italian universities have experienced many changes that deeply reshaped their academic institutions. Among other aspects, the need to make an adequate contribution in answer to the demands of society led to an extension and deepening of universities’ so-called Fourth Mission (Geiger, 2006; Kretz & Sá, 2013). A multifaceted set of activities were therefore introduced to strengthen the liaison between academia and society. In the past, this role was mainly concerned with granting patents to outsiders, but today universities are also increasingly dedicated to the creation and promotion of spin-off activities. These are instruments designed to respond to social pressures towards accountability and establish a dialogue with the economy through the s...
In the new Millennium Italian universities have lived many changes deeply reshaping academic inst... more In the new Millennium Italian universities have lived many changes deeply reshaping academic institutions. A relevant aspect was the more and more significant need to answer the demand of society and respond the social pressure to accountability through the transfer of knowledge, innovation and technology to economy. It led to an extension of the so-called university Fourth Mission, an instrument dedicated to create spin-offs to share scientific research results with society. The paper investigates the present reality of university spin-offs in Italy by considering their growing number also in the light of their role of an instrument for academic job substitution. In particular, a tool to respond to the current condition of young Italian academic researchers increasingly affected by job offer reduction due to budget constraints, consequent university policies and new management issues.
In theory, the Conseil d’administration in France and the Senato Accademico and the Consiglio di ... more In theory, the Conseil d’administration in France and the Senato Accademico and the Consiglio di Amministrazione in Italy constitute the most powerful organs of government within the universities but their actual power can be limited. In fact, they are subject to a number of structural weaknesses. The first arises from their heterogeneous composition. The second is due to the fact that they are com-pelled to take into account decisions taken by faculty councils. The third relates to the spread of a presidential model of governance in the majority of universities in both countries. Without legislative reform, the Président — Rettore, who embodies the executive function — has a wide range of means enabling him/her to domi-nate the legislature. Should such a regime be institutionalized? Should additional roles be given to the existing legislative bodies, those of supervisor and evaluator, supported by the power to sanction using a form of ‘censure motion’? Universities are granted stat...
Pourquoi et comment mieux gouverner les universites ? Pourquoi ? Pour leur permettre de remplir m... more Pourquoi et comment mieux gouverner les universites ? Pourquoi ? Pour leur permettre de remplir mieux leurs missions de formation initiale et continue, de recherche fondamentale et appliquee. Comment ? En leur donnant un systeme de gouvernement capable d'optimiser les ressources financieres, humaines et materielles mises a leur disposition. Mieux gouverner pour rendre les universites plus performantes, plus efficientes et plus efficaces. Ce livre analyse le gouvernement des universites en France et en Italie, a partir d'un point d'entree : celui de la transformation du role des recteurs et des presidents d'universite. Dans les deux pays, dans un contexte d'autonomie croissant, on observe un renforcement, une diversification et une complexification de la fonction de recteur / president ; on identifie la montee en puissance d'un regime presidentiel dans lequel l'executif (le recteur ou le president) conquiert et assume certaines des prerogatives du legislat...
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