Interview with outgoing Chair Svein Stølen

How has the European research and innovation policy landscape changed compared to when you first joined The Guild?

I believe the political and societal engagement is more intense – the interest in universities' role for the development of Europe has increased. We should applaud this although we, to some extent, may feel that the interest in the sector is unwieldly. The overload of expectations can translate into wrong actions/policies. Still, indifference would have been much more of a problem. We need to take advantage of the interest to secure trust and further investments in universities and research.

The many accelerating policy processes directed at universities has brought research policy closer to the primary activities of the university. It really affects us: Plan S, reform of research assessment and a string of other issues. In 2017 open science and the sustainable development goals were central topics. Today the agenda is dominated by research security and geopolitical challenges, which makes the prioritisation between different interests and concerns even more challenging. Thus, we need to be active as universities and make sure that the voice of universities such as ours is heard.

What have been the crowning achievements of The Guild since you entered office as Chair?

First and foremost, we have consolidated the position of The Guild as a constructive, dynamic and influential alliance. I am very happy that the situation for UK and Swiss research has been improved and I believe we have contributed from our side in the political processes and to the dialogue. Furthermore, the work we have done on the Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoREs) with ARUA is clearly influential and important. We are also more active in educational policy issues.

What has the University of Oslo been able to achieve through its membership of The Guild?

The University of Oslo (UiO) is a globally oriented European university. The bonds we have created within The Guild are of utmost importance to us. Norway not being a member of the EU furthermore gives UiO special challenges. Because we are outsiders, The Guild is even more important to us than it is to many other universities in the network. We gain knowledge about EU policy development and influence and are included in the early stages of policy processes as stakeholders. We are very happy that The Guild covers and puts emphasis on north-south and west-east dimensions of Europe.

What is your vision for the University of Oslo as a member of The Guild?

Increased interaction and collaboration within and outside the university has, for me, been a guiding principle as rector for seven years. Internally, we have worked on our own system for research, higher education, innovation and outreach. Externally, we have worked in and with Oslo, nationally, in Europe, and we have used our European alliances – The Guild and Circle U. – as platforms for global collaboration. As a university, we must develop, handle change, and be active at the crossroads we know are ahead of us. The Guild really makes a difference to UiO and helps us to be prepared and agile.