2008. vol. 3. No. 2

M. Larionova, Vice-rector of the State University – Higher School of Economics, Head of SU-HSE International Organizations Research Institute, PhD in Political Science

The paper highlights the key EU education policy developments reached during the EU Portugal Presidency in July – December of 2007. It describes the number of policy achievements had been made during this period contributing significantly to the future development in higher education area in Europe. Among key policy results are: the adoption by the European Parliament and Council the Recommendation on the establishment of the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning; the adoption of the Council conclusions on improving the quality of teacher education and Council resolution on education and training as a key driver of the Lisbon Strategy. The paper emphasizes the results from the Draft 2008 joint progress report “Delivering lifelong learning for knowledge, creativity and innovation” summarizing the implementation of the “Education and Training 2008 work programme”. It is also highlights the future prospects for the EU and third countries cooperation and strategic partnership development.

E. Gorbunova, Director of the G8 Research Centre, International Organizations Research Institute, State University - Higher School of Economics, MA in Sociology

Having signed the Bologna Declaration in 2003, Russia has committed itself to introduction of its main principles and instruments by the year 2010. Students are the key players in Bologna process realization, hence receiving the feedback form them is of crucial importance for organizing and reforming of the educational process.

The article presents key results of the survey “Bologna with Students’ Eyes”, aimed at studying the scope of introduction of Bologna principles in Russian HEIs, the level of students’ awareness of key Bologna principles and instruments, students’ understanding of Bologna objectives, revealing of students’ experience in participation in Bologna activities, students’ attitudes towards Bologna activities and the level of its support, as well as main reasons and incentives of the attitudes.

B. Zhelezov, Deputy-Director for International Relations, State University – Higher School of Economics, MBA, PhD in Political Science

The paper provides the synthesis review of the EC in-depth research study The extent and impact of higher education governance reform across Europe. Contract 2006-1407/001-001 S02-81AWB.The study implemented by the group of EU experts was aimed to discover the recent developments within the key areas of higher education governance across Europe including the latest changes in funding structures, mechanisms for decision-making process and system of quality assurance on national and institutional levels. The study was also aimed to provide the assessment of these changes by key stakeholders involve in educational process such as HEIs leadership, students, academic staff, employers and local communities. It is envisaged that research creates the good basis for further benchmarking of broad EU countries’ experience in higher education reforms which is potentially useful for Russia as well as for EU-Russia common European Higher Education Area.

N. Zlokazova, Chair of International Economic Organizations and European Integration, State University – Higher School of Economics, PhD in Economics

As a rule the United Nations (UN) is seen as an organization working on world wide security issues and performing humanitarian assistance therefore its economic activity stays underestimated. UN is a consumer of the vast amount of various services and goods. It prefers mid- and low-size companies, rather than giant multinational corporation and works with suppliers all over the world paying more attention to developing countries and countries with the transition economy. Today the UN is become more interested in Russia as a commercial partner. However Russian companies still do not sufficiently consider the benefits from the UN-Russia commercial partnership. When only insignificant part of Russian enterprises which activities are related to the provision of the peacekeeping operations is participating in this partnership, while other parts of Russian commercial industry do not use opportunities of the UN market, giving their benefits up for foreign rivals. The article provides the assessment of the most promising directions of international cooperation between Russia and the United Nations and can be useful for those whose interests are lying in contemporary analysis of the international organizations and institutions cooperation development.