[spectre] A European Institute of Technology?

[_alejood]

taken from: http://europa.eu.int/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=EIT

don't really care about if europe gets it or not, (im not a EU  
member)...but i saw this and thought, ah maybe many of the (anti) 
institutionalized heads around could comment (or not) on this  
questionary...in the light of the medialabs thread of course.


A European Institute of Technology? Public Consultation on the  
possible missions, objectives, added-value and structure of an EIT


In its mid-term review of the Lisbon Strategy, the Commission  
indicated that it would explore the idea of a ‘European Institute of  
Technology’. Following intensive discussion between Commission  
departments and with external experts, the Commission has launched  
this public consultation. The Commission services are seeking the  
views of the wider education, research and innovation communities  
about their ambitions on this issue. The public consultation  
concentrates on first-order issues – the EIT’s key missions,  
objectives, added value and possible structure. The purpose of this  
consultation is to gather the opinions of the various stakeholders  
involved, to inform the Commission on whether to take the idea  
further. The questions below are intended to stimulate discussion but  
do not prejudge the final form of any decision to be taken by the  
Commission. Further information on the EIT concept and the  
consultation process can be found on the EIT website by clicking on  
the link to the right. Please also consult the main consultation  
document, which is available as a pdf text (right), before answering  
the questionnaire. You will find further important information about  
specific issues by clicking on the small speech-bubbles marked 'i'  
beside certain questions. Please read these before answering the  
questions.


Question 1: Mission of the EIT
The answer to this first question will provide a frame for your  
answers in the rest of this consultation exercise. We are interested  
in your opinions about the main focus of a possible European  
Institute of Technology.
1.1 What should be the main objective of the EIT? Please select one  
of these options. In the next question you will be asked to provide  
us with the reasons for your choice.(Compulsory)
primary focus on education (including undergraduate teaching)
primary focus on research and research training
primary focus on improving the commercial exploitation of research
integrated approach of teaching, research and technology transfer –  
the knowledge triangle
Other / None [please specify briefly below]

1.2 Please provide detailed reasons for your choice in 1.1  
(including, if desired, your comments on the possible training of  
Masters students, doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers).


Question 2: Added Value of the EIT
Whether focussing on teaching, research, technology transfer or a  
combination of all three, the EIT needs to bring added value at the  
European level to existing activities in these areas.
2.1 How can the EIT best contribute above and beyond current  
provision in this area? Please identify the main potential  
contribution you see the EIT as offering. You may select up to two  
options. In the next question you will be asked to further explain  
your views on the kind of added value brought by the EIT.(Compulsory)
networking between higher education institutions and increasing the  
cross-fertilisation of knowledge
facilitating intra-European mobility of staff and students
attracting top international students or researchers
creating economies of scale in research production
building synergies with EU Research Framework Programme instruments
promoting innovation and knowledge transfer throughout the territory  
of the EU
providing a model of excellence to disseminate best practice
encouraging collaboration between the academic/research world and  
large-scale industry and employers
developing commercial opportunities for research products and processes
supporting SMEs and local and regional development
Other / None [please specify briefly below]

2.2 Please explain your views on the benefits and challenges of  
creating the kind of added value you identified in question 2.1 to  
supplement existing provision at EU, national and regional levels.


Question 3: Structure of the EIT
We would like your opinion about the desirability and workability of  
some possible models for the EIT.
3.1 Which type of institutional format would best allow the EIT to  
achieve these goals? Please select the most suitable option. In the  
next question you will be asked to describe in detail why you support  
this organisational structure for the EIT.(Compulsory)
single institution
small network (4-6 institutions)
large network (15-25 institutions)
EIT label/brand (awarded to existing institutions or to individual  
departments/faculties without a formal requirement for networking)
Other / None [please specify briefly below]

3.2 Please describe in detail how you think the organisational  
structure chosen in question 3.1 would support the EIT to achieve its  
mission and offer added value.


Question 4: Research Priorities of the EIT
The creation, dissemination and application of knowledge at the EIT  
could be organised along traditional lines of enquiry or in more  
innovative ways.

4.1 How should the EIT organise its teaching/research/transfer  
activities? Please select your preferred option. In the next question  
you will be asked to discuss the benefits and problems of the  
approach chosen.(Compulsory)


issue-driven (problem-oriented, investigating for example: wind power  
generation, avian influenza, low-fuel vehicles, urban rejuvenation  
projects)
discipline-oriented (academic fields such as: physical sciences,  
biochemistry, engineering, architecture and planning etc.)
thematically organised (trans-/interdisciplinary fields such as  
‘green energy’, ‘environment and health’, ‘sustainable transport’,  
‘sustainable communities’ etc)
industrial or economic sector-oriented (such as energy provision,  
medical research and pharmaceuticals, automobile and aviation  
manufacturing, building and construction)
Other / None [please specify briefly below]

4.2 Please discuss the benefits and problems of the approach chosen  
in question 4.1.