HES-SO has established a process to support the review of international institutional partnerships in order to ensure a solid foundation for collaboration based on shared values. These partnerships, established at institutional level, may cover various areas of collaboration such as teaching, student mobility, research or innovation.
This process is not intended to evaluate individual research projects, which fall within the scope of academic freedom and are governed by the ethical, regulatory and contractual frameworks defined by the relevant institutions and funding bodies. It nevertheless serves as a reference tool for researchers, helping them to engage in informed and contextualised reflection prior to entering into international collaborations.
This process applies to partnerships, whether new or up for renewal, with the exception of agreements concluded with an institution operating in a country within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) or an institution affiliated to one of HES-SO's partner networks (UNITA and RELIEF).
The review of international partnerships covers the six following areas:
- Aims and form of collaboration
- Personal safety
- Academic freedom and institutional autonomy
- Human rights
- Knowledge and technology transfer
- Legal and ethical aspects
The process consists of two stages:
- A preliminary self-assessment, simple and quick, by the entity leading the (proposed) partnership, based on four closed-ended questions relating to the situation in the country concerned (see the guide “Examens des partenariats internationaux”, Chapter 3.1)
This step helps to identify any potential risks relating to security, authoritarianism, academic freedom and human rights, which would require in-depth analysis before entering into or continuing a collaboration. A positive response to one or more of the questions asked does not necessarily mean that the partnership cannot go ahead, but it does warrant an in-depth analysis of the partnership before the institution commits itself.
A comprehensive assessment by the relevant Department (Education or Research & Innovation), with the support of the signatory entity, based on an analysis grid.
This analysis enables a more informed identification of risks and ensures that appropriate mitigation measures will be put in place where necessary.The in-depth analysis results in a recommendation from the relevant Department either to accept or maintain the partnership, or, conversely, to reject, suspend or terminate it. The Ethics Committee (currently being established) may be consulted in the event of a disagreement between the signatory entity and the relevant Department regarding the conclusion of the analysis.
If the identified risks are such as to harm the institution’s reputation, or if their sensitivity requires a consistent and harmonised response across the whole of the HES-SO, the decision may be taken by the Rectorate, following consultation with the Steering Committee.