Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/58061
European Wings The Bologna Accord promotes the integration of European education. Its objective is to produce European citizens who are both grounded in local culture and prepared to soar internationally. by Thierry Grange I t is an old European tradition to look at symbols as a way to understand the world. The University of Bologna is believed to be the oldest continually operating degree-granting university in the world, which makes the Bologna name both prestigious and symbolic. Therefore, it is fitting that the Bologna Accord has become the name for the sweeping reform of European universi- ties that is poised to change the shape of European education—and business education—forever. Under the Accord, also known as the Bologna Agreement or the Bach- elor, Master, and Doctorate (BMD) Reform, each country's national univer- sity tradition will be aligned with a new European educational standard. The 45 participating countries are working together to define what is meant by common education degrees. The goal of the new standards is to encourage universities to think globally, while teaching locally. The initiative was launched in 1999 and is due to be fully implemented by 2010. At that time, the benefits could be great. All participating schools will have more visibility, and students will find it easier to move between countries and universities as they pursue their educations. On the other hand, there are possible negative consequences as well, including homogenization of programs and loss of cultural diversity. It's already clear that fully implementing the Bologna Accord will not be easy. Europe's rich variety of countries, regions, cultures, languages, and citi- zens is its source of wealth, but it also makes true integration a challenge. For Europeans, the permanent paradox is that they must balance their cultural differences with their hope for unity. The intent of integration is to create a European citizen with local roots and European wings. Students who travel throughout Europe to attend school will not only interact with academics and fellow students on campus, but also get a chance to meet people in the streets, in the corporate world, and in the places where they live. They will learn what is specific to their culture and what is shared by millions of others. A positive awareness of their new, broad citizenship will motivate them toward even more European integration. Education will be the major force that drives the creation of the "European man" and brings social satisfaction to all citizens, regardless of culture or rank. European business schools might have an easier time with the Bologna Accord than some liberal arts and sciences universities, because since the 1980s they have been promoting joint programs among themselves and with U.S. schools. The agreement nonetheless will have profound impact on the entire European educational system. 32 BizEd MAY/JUNE 2007