Subject

University councils at German universities fulfil an important interface function between universities and society. They promote the networking of universities with various social interest groups and contribute external perspectives and expertise to the strategic decision-making processes of universities. This role is particularly important in the current higher education policy environment, as social relevance and the solution of social challenges are increasingly in the public and political focus. At the same time, universities in the 21st century are under considerable financial pressure to educate the next generation of academics and remain internationally competitive. Collaborations with companies, third-party funding and, in particular, being recognised as a University of Excellence offer key levers for shaping the strategic orientation of universities in the long term.

Research questions

• What influence do university councils have on the financial-strategic orientation of universities? Which disciplinary and professional backgrounds of the members of university councils favour different forms of university financing?
• Do different financing strategies also have an impact on the composition of university councils (i.e. interaction between strategy and structure)?

Author

Dr. Thorsten Lenz, Dr. Fabian Ahrens