The overarching goal of INsPIRe is to support modernisation and internationalisation of the Governance system of HEIs in Iraq with a specific focus on planning and programming systems. Due to the recent crisis and political economic situation, the current higher education system requires a strong intervention to face the weakness of the existing governance system. The WP1- Update of needs analysis requires the realisation of a comprehensive literature review aimed at identifying the existing governance frameworks and the development of an update needs analysis in Iraq HE system. The WP2- Training and capacity building activities for internal staff in quality assurance and strategic planning aims at realising capacity building through: online training; 3-days training study visits at four European Universities; 3-days training field missions in Iraq; 10 ToT (one per Iraqi university). Once the training section will end, the partners are ready to start the WP3- Implementation of changes and best practices through action plans, where the trainees and their institutions will be involved in the development of action plans that should be implemented by each HEI. According to the relevant literature on higher education governance, internationalization and wide participation of stakeholders are trend topic that guarantee a better governance. Thus the WP4 provides a specific focus on the management and governance of international relation through the development of useful tools and techniques. The WP5 provides the set up of a formal consultative body within HEIs, in order to assure a better coordination between the systems of higher education, and private/public sector, also ensuring the involvement of other non-state actors. In term of impact at short term, improvement and strength of skills and knowledge on innovative governance practices and strategic planning topics will be ensured as well as on long term the development of an ongoing process of self- improvement.
INSPIRE aims to:•Enhance governance, management and accountability practices in HEIs in Iraq;•Establish a clear governance framework, including well-defined mission and goals through the definition and implementation of action plans;•Strengthen the capacity of HEIs to develop and implement strategies effectively and efficiently;•Strengthen international relations management in Iraqi HEIs;•Improve participation in strategic planning and development activities for external stakeholders.
The project sought to address weaknesses in existing governance practices in HEIs in Iraq. Improving governance means strengthening areas such as autonomy, accountability, participation, strategic planning, internationalisation and quality assurance. Moreover, the project aimed to enhance the relevance and quality of the higher education system through the revitalization of academic life and scientific research.
<< Background >> The project sought to address weaknesses in existing governance practices in HEIs in Iraq. Improving governance means strengthening areas such as autonomy, accountability, participation, strategic planning, internationalisation and quality assurance. Moreover, the project aimed to enhance the relevance and quality of the higher education system through the revitalization of academic life and scientific research. << Objectives >> INSPIRE aims to:•Enhance governance, management and accountability practices in HEIs in Iraq;•Establish a clear governance framework, including well-defined mission and goals through the definition and implementation of action plans;•Strengthen the capacity of HEIs to develop and implement strategies effectively and efficiently;•Strengthen international relations management in Iraqi HEIs;•Improve participation in strategic planning and development activities for external stakeholders. << Implementation >> Institutional issues in Iraq and the spread of COVID19, lead to a Project extension from 3 to 4 years. The activities were organised in 8 WPs:1 Needs analysis2 Training and capacity building for internal staff in quality assurance and strategic planning3 Implementation of changes and best practices through action plans4 Modernization of Iraqi HEIs International Relations Strategies5 Launching of consultative centre in HEIs 6 Quality&Evaluation7 Dissemination and Exploitation8 Management << Results >> Among the most tangible results: a Report on the Higher Education system in Iraq highlighting gaps, needs and recommendations; a Capacity Building action on governance, strategic planning, quality assurance and internationalisation targeting Iraqi staff members, institutional strategic plans and internationalisation strategic plans developed by Iraqi HEIs, a Good Governance Handbook, the creation of 10 Local and International consultation units to coordinate with external stakeholders.