Mapping Diversity: Developing a European Classification of ... - U-Map

32 5.2 Criteria for institutionalisation
Taking into account the views, recommendations and concerns that were mentioned during the
consultation process, the project team defi ned fi ve criteria as essential requirements for the
institutional implementation of the classifi cation: inclusiveness, independence, professionalism,
sustainability and legitimacy. These criteria are defi ned as follows:
Inclusiveness
The classifi cation must be open to recognised higher education institutions of all types and all
participating countries, irrespective of their membership of associations, networks or conferences.
Independence
The classifi cation must be administered independently of governments, funding organisations,
representative organisations or business interests.
Professional approach
The classifi cation must be run by a professional, reliable and effi cient organisation. This will guarantee
appropriate standards in the planning, implementation, communication and further development of
the classifi cation, hence contributing to an impeccable reputation for the classifi cation which is
essential to its success.
Sustainability
The administration of the classifi cation must be properly funded on the basis of a long term fi nancial
commitment. This will secure suffi cient capacity for carrying out the work at the required high
level.
Legitimacy
The classifi cation must have the trust of participating institutions and stakeholders. This means
that the organisation managing the classifi cation will be held accountable and will be subject to
continuous evaluation and assessment.
5.3 Models for institutionalisation
MAPPING DIVERSITY
Throughout the meetings in the early stages of the project, four theoretical options evolved as possible
models for implementation: market, government, stakeholder and independent organisation. In the
following section the four models and the views of stakeholders on these models are presented in
relation to the criteria mentioned in the previous section.
Market model
In this model a (consortium of) private organisations would implement the classifi cation. Products
and services would be made available to users at market-based tariffs. The strategy, further
development and use of the classifi cation would be driven by market demands.
In a market model, the stakeholders we consulted assumed that the provider would only offer
classifi cation services on those dimensions for which it expects suffi cient institutional demand.
Hence some dimensions of the classifi cation are likely not to be included. Therefore full inclusiveness
cannot be guaranteed. On the criterion of sustainability, stakeholders argued that in a market model
the continuation of the classifi cation will depend on demand and will be subject to the volatility of
the market. Hence, sustainability can not be guaranteed. Finally, the stakeholders raised concerns
about the perceived legitimacy of this model.