University Governance in Europe: Managerial Convergences or Political Harmonization?

Abstract Objective: This contribution attempts to highlight the convergences and divergences of the strategies and modes of governance put in place in the current context of European universities (knowledge economy, budget restrictions, changing demand of students and employers). Methodology: A study of three universities from three different countries, two public and one private, is proposed from the analysis of the internal official documents (strategic projects) of the structures and interviews with the leaders. Findings: Elements of convergences and divergences are highlighted, which makes it possible to make hypotheses to verify in other researches. Value Added: The approach is exploratory and complementary to the analyses in terms of the structure and strategy model of higher education institutions Recommendations: The implementation of the Bologna Process is still often instrumentalized or rejected (defence of local specificities or fears of excessive standardization), but the current evolution of constraints and environments seems to go far beyond this non-normative project. It should therefore be considered as an opportunity for a positive and effective response to the present stakes.