Beyond Rankings: Can Higher Education be Changed? France’s Academic Excellence Initiative

This webinar focused on France’s Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI), led by Dr. Andrée Sursock, Senior Advisor of the European University Association. We discussed the historical context of French higher education, tracing its evolution from the Middle Ages to the present highlighting significant milestones, such as the 2007 law extending university autonomy and the 2010 launch of the AEI designed to enhance research excellence and international visibility.

Key points included:

• Establishment of the Napoleonic University system in France
• Creation of national research organizations like CNRS
• Legislative changes aimed at increasing university autonomy
• Exploration of whether excellence policies and funding concentration effectively drive change in higher education
• Pros and cons of university mergers, with examples from French universities
• Analysis of the broader implications of mergers for the higher education system

Dr. Sursock emphasized that while some mergers have succeeded, others remain a work in progress. Key conditions for success include clear academic value, realistic business models, shared risk management, and strong political and economic support. The session underscored that while initiatives like AEIs can catalyse significant change, they must be carefully planned and executed to avoid fragmentation and ensure meaningful improvement. Effective communication, strategic alignment, and stakeholder engagement are crucial for the success of such initiatives.