Explore the argument
Why collaboration is difficult
Shared services and mergers sound obvious, but the system often makes them slow, risky and unattractive.
The key pointThe gains from collaboration may be collective and long-term while its costs are immediate and borne by individual institutions.
When several universities face the same financial pressure, sharing systems, facilities or services appears an obvious response. In practice, the path is strewn with obstacles.
Incentives and identity
Institutions compete with their potential partners. They have different governance, systems, debts, employment arrangements and strategic priorities. Local identity and academic mission also matter.
Timing
Collaboration demands management time and often up-front investment precisely when institutions are under most pressure to make immediate savings.
The completed page will distinguish shared procurement, service partnerships, federations and full mergers, with examples of where each has succeeded or failed.