Workshop 1 - Due Diligence

Speakers:

• Torill Iversen Wanvik, Norwegian directorate for Higher Education and Skills
• Vegard Vibe, Norwegian directorate for Higher Education and Skills
• Mirko Van der Muijen, European Commission

Outline:

This session explores how to strengthen international knowledge cooperation while helping higher education institutions manage risks when choosing and working with global partners. We will introduce the European Commission’s risk appraisal methodology, take a closer look at the Norwegian guidelines for partnerships in higher education, and invite participants to share reflections and experiences relevant to their everyday work.

We will address three key questions:

• Everyone
  • What role do you currently play and what role can you possibly play in facilitating due diligence/partner check at your institution? (what is the scope of action based on your areas of responsibility?)
• Choose between alternative A or B
  • A: What factors matter the most when conducting due diligence of new international partners in third countries, and what triggers a need for a deeper assessment?
  • B: What are potential red flags necessitating risk assessments in ongoing collaborations?”

Main takeaways:

Participants will gain practical tools and resources to support responsible international cooperation, a clearer understanding of why this work matters for their institutions, and an opportunity to build a peer network. Active contributions and experience-sharing are essential.

Link to Padlet: https://padlet.com/opetushallitus/Workshop1

Workshop 2 - Mobility practices and responsible implementation 

Facilitators:     

• Linn Holm, University of Gothenburg
• Heidi Woodhouse Schmit, Jönköping University

Outline:

In a context of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, security concerns and growing risks in international cooperation, mobility officers play a key role in translating responsible internationalisation into everyday practice. This workshop is aimed at practitioners working with student mobility and focuses on three core areas where mobility work both affects and is affected by ethical, legal, and security-related considerations: risk assessment, preparation of outgoing students, and the support for incoming students from complex contexts. 

The workshop is built around case discussions and peer learning where participants share concrete experiences and approaches from their own institutions — how students are prepared, and how challenges are managed when collaborations or mobility situations become difficult. The emphasis is on mutual learning, collective reflection and experience-sharing rather than ready-made solutions. 

Workshop 3 - Ethics and responsible internationalisation

What About Ethics? Navigating Ethical Perspectives in the Expanding Landscape of Security Concerns in International Higher Education Cooperation

Speakers and facilitators:

• Riina Subra, Aalto University 
• Mervi Rantanen, Aalto University
• Ida Funder, Via University College
• Camilla Israelsen, Via University College, DK
• Jonas Baek, Ministry of Higher Education and Science
• Kenneth Lundin, Lead Adviser, EDUFI
• Laura Lalu, Lead Adviser, EDUFI

Outline:

This session focuses on the ethical dimensions of international higher education cooperation. What does ethical responsibility look like when balancing openness, collaboration, and institutional safety?

Building on insights from earlier sessions on due diligence and mobility, this workshop invites participants to reflect on what ethics contributes to everyday decision-making in international cooperation. Through concrete cases and peer exchange, participants will examine practical dilemmas and potential solutions.

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Identify key ethical considerations in international higher education cooperation, especially when balancing openness with security and risk management.
• Recognise practical ethical dilemmas in partnership and mobility decisions.
• Reflect on their institution’s current practices and formulate questions or needs for further guidance, tools, or support.

Link to Padlet: https://padlet.com/opetushallitus/Workshop3