Maria Helena Nazaré, European University Association (EUA)

 

Economic performance is linked to the qualification, namely at tertiary level of the work force. Many European countries, including Portugal, need to increase the number of higher education degree holders among the 30-34 years old, to meet the European Union 2020 objectives. To achieve this, universities have to become drivers of change, be it at regional or national level, by developing strategies to foster the demand of university education while maintaining high quality research, so contributing to the economic recovery and improving social cohesion. Portuguese universities are transforming themselves to meet the challenges of the European Union 2020 objectives. This presentation will describe the change in higher education sector in Portugal, both at system and Institutional level and compare it to other European countries.