swissnex Day’10 at EPFL Lausanne: the internationalization of higher education institutions and the role of swissnex network
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Nov 08, 2010 03:05 PM
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swissnex Day’10 at EPFL Lausanne: the internationalization of higher education institutions and the role of swissnex network
Nov 22, 2010 05:59 PM
In an ever more competitive and globalized world, it is vital for countries to drive the transfer of expertise across their borders: both within hubs of science and among the world’s emerging economies. Indeed, this supports knowledge-based economies in establishing solid, global networks in science and education. Switzerland is no exception.
Head of the Federal office of Home Affairs, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, reminded guests of this at swissnex Day 2010 on November 8. The annual event was held at the Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and the University of Art and Design (ECAL) in Lausanne. It centered on “The Internationalization of Swiss Higher Education Institutions and the Role of the swissnex Network.”
The annual meeting of the five swissnex teams brought together not only directors of the five swissnex outposts (Boston, San Francisco, China, Singapore and India) but also more than 300 representatives from Swiss academia and innovation. Together with Mr. Burkhalter and State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Peter Maurer, they brainstormed the strategies implemented by Switzerland to strengthen international collaborations in science and higher education.
Mr. Burkhalter had just returned from visits to swissnex offices in San Francisco and Boston, where he commemorated the ten-year anniversary of the network. In his speech, he also emphasized the importance of involving the private sector—through public-private partnerships like swissnex. This, he said, would better bridge the needs of industry with those of academia. To read Mr. Burkhalter’s speech, click here.
As a seasoned practitioner in international diplomacy, Mr. Maurer also stressed the complementary roles of science and diplomacy in the development of bilateral relations. He said science was a “soft channel” with which countries could open or re-open dialogues with parties on the international stage. Diplomacy, similarly, should be used by all countries to work on the resolution of global science issues. To read Mr. Maurer’s speech, click here.
The five swissnex teams capitalized on the outstanding turnout of key players to brainstorm their agenda, including better ways of marketing the swissnex network locally in Switzerland and new, creative collaborations given the recent launch of swissnex India.
For more information and press coverage on swissnex Day ’10, click here.
