Joint Mission Statement
Joint Mission Statement of the Demos Kratos European University
Embracing a Shared Vision for Informed Democracy and Collaborative Learning, we stand united at the forefront of the European University initiative, driven by a shared commitment to the transformative power of education in democracy.
Our Collective Vision
Motivated by the objectives outlined by the European Council, our ambition is to redefine the higher education paradigm through the cultivation of transnational alliances and the advancement of 'European Universities.’ Our unified vision envisions a dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive European academic landscape that transcends political affiliations, biased media narratives, populism, geographical boundaries, disciplinary confines, and the echo chambers of social media geared towards maximizing „time spent” and inducing dopamine rushes. Our goal is to cultivate an electorate that is well-informed, enabling democracy to steer us towards a more enlightened and promising future. In contrast, if knowledge is overshadowed by propaganda, misinformation, and the confines of „social media bubbles,” democracy can lead to the decline of civilization.
Demos Kratos European University members:
Świętokrzyska Szkoła Wyższa in Kielce in Poland
Baltijas Starptautiskā Akadēmija Riga in Latvia
Instituto Superior De Lisboa E Vale Do Tejo in Lisbon in Portugal
Instituto Superior De Ciências Educativas Do Douro in Porto in Portugal
Trakya Üniversitesi in Turkey
Universitatea Româno-Americană in Bukarest in Romania
Università Degli Studi ECampus in Novedrate in Italy
Univerzita Sv. Cyrila A Metoda V Trnave in Trnava in Slovakia
Univerzitet Sinergija in Bijeljina in Bosnia and Herzegovina
And other associated partners
share a common mission to promote an informed democracy.
Our Commitment to Knowledge and Dialogue
Together, we are committed to employing innovative methods to foster a comprehensive understanding. This involves organizing objective and unbiased discussion panels with academics and experts. Our approach transcends the surface of political bias, delving into the intricate details of economic, sociological, immigration, and climate change challenges faced by democracies. Students and other viewers are encouraged to participate and ask questions.
In an era dominated by social media, characterized by 10-second videos and the short attention span of Generation Z, our innovative approach stands out. We possess the ability to deliver complex knowledge in a discussion/dialogue-like environment, ensuring that both sides of the discussion have equal opportunities to present perspectives and information. This approach leads to enhanced understanding and promotes civil engagement.
These discussion panels, conducted in a civil and moderated environment without bias, will feature experts from diverse perspectives. This fosters interest and knowledge among voters, helps combat extremism and populism, and addresses the challenges faced by contemporary democracies driven by politically bias media, misinformation in social media. Our initiative aims to break free from the constraints of media influence and social media profiling. TikTok, facebook, google’s goal is centered on „time spent” rather than personal growth and knowledge of individual. We strive to provide a platform for diverse viewpoints, making it easier to access objective truth. Additionally, we are committed to implementing live AI-enhanced translation for valuable, science-based content created by other European Universities. We aim to disseminate results generated by others that are worth sharing, especially if the outcomes are a result of EU or government funding. We actively collaborate with other creators to amplify the impact of valuable teaching content.
International Mobility and Collaboration
We will stimulate high-quality mobility for students, experts, academics, and administrative staff, fostering collaboration across borders suing standard SMS, SMS-B and STA and STT mobilities in KA131, as well as expert, academics and students mobility financed by ERASMUS-EDU-2024-EUR-UNIV.
Integrating courses in one of our University in other Universities Study Programs
By correlating curricula and sharing courses, our goal is to create a dynamic educational experience that goes beyond individual universities. This approach encourages participation from students and experts across the alliance, fostering improved cooperation among academics and deans. We seek to correlate study outcomes and results for single courses, enabling students to study abroad as part of their home study programs. Ultimately, this initiative paves the way for the potential development of full joint degrees in the future.
Advanced Technology for Inclusive Learning
By implementing and utilizing Cisco Webex hardware and software, we aim to enhance our rooms to facilitate participation in classes and discussion panels abroad. This will include improved audio and video quality, with focused sound and camera features on speakers to enhance overall participation.
Translation of English to National Languages
Through AI-enhanced translation of live events, we seek to enable the participation of older generations, providing them with the ability to ask questions without the need to speak English. This approach aims to eliminate language barriers, ensuring widespread access to knowledge.
The integration of artificial intelligence will facilitate high-quality live translations during streamed events, guaranteeing accessibility and inclusivity for audiences that speak different languages.
Collaborative Dissemination
Thanks to additional funding from EU projects, the results of our work will reach a larger audience, encompassing not only students but also their friends and families. By working closely with municipalities, we aim to engage bystanders during live events, potentially in open spaces (weather permitting).
We are committed to disseminating our discussion panels through online streaming on social media platforms (with the ability to ask questions) and providing AI-generated subtitles in multiple national languages to promote cross-cultural understanding. Additionally, we will collaborate with other European Universities to share events with similar goals, extending our impact beyond our immediate alliance. This involves working with other content creators on platforms such as YouTube.
Competing for the attention of the younger generation is time-consuming and challenging. Social media platforms often recommend dopamine-driven, easy and fun content rather than content that is difficult or boring and requires focused attention. It is hard to fight algorithm that profile users to stay in trap of similar content bubble. Achieving this without significant financial support is particularly challenging.
Supporting other European Univeristies with Results Dissemination
In addition to Demos Kratos European University partners, we will actively disseminate and support other Universities that align with the objectives of our initiative, fostering a network of knowledge-sharing and collaboration beyond our immediate alliance.
United in purpose, Demos Kratos European University strive to be catalysts for positive change, cultivating informed and engaged citizens who contribute to the betterment of democratic societies and the broader global community.
Promoting Common European Values and Strengthening European Identity:
Our primary objective is to promote an informed democracy, empowering voters with knowledge to make choices aligned with European values and fostering a strengthened European identity.
Quality, Performance, Attractiveness, and International Competitiveness:
Through our cooperation, we aim to stimulate an in-depth understanding of critical issues, promoting high-quality dialogue that transcends political bias. This enhances the attractiveness and international competitiveness of our European academic ecosystem.
Our commitment to reshaping study programs, fostering mobility, and leveraging advanced technologies reflects our dedication to deep institutional transformation. By doing so, we contribute to the European knowledge economy, employment, creativity, culture, and welfare.
The alliance fosters extensive and long-term institutional cooperation, echoing the European Commission’s emphasis on alliances generating real European added value through the commitment of all involved parties.
Our project is a response to the pressing need to address challenges faced by democracies. In a world inundated with misinformation, bias, and complex global issues, the Demos Kratos European University project is a beacon of hope. By organizing expert-led, engaging discussion panels, promoting high-quality mobility, integrating advanced technology for inclusive learning, and collaborating beyond our alliance, we strive to be a catalyst for positive change.
Informed democracy is not just an aspiration; it is a necessity. Our alliance recognizes the pivotal role of education in empowering citizens to make informed choices. We believe that by achieving our mission, we contribute not only to the objectives outlined by the European Commission but also to the fundamental principles of democracy, active citizenship, and a shared European identity.
Governance Structure of Demos Kratos European University:
In our pursuit of transformative change, the Demos Kratos European University has adopted a robust university governance model, which will lead to further integration if EU funding is provided by the call ERASMUS-EDU-2024-EUR-UNIV. This governance is seamlessly integrated into the existing structures of each participating institution, enhancing cohesion, mitigating conflicts, and empowering strategic decision-making. Our governance structure is a powerful model organized around key bodies:
Governing Board:
As the ultimate decision-making body, the Governing Board is entrusted with defining the vision, mission, strategy, and common values of Demos Kratos European University. Comprising the legal representatives or rectors of all participating universities, the Board designates one member to serve as the President of the European University on a rotating basis.
Academic Council:
Functioning in an advisory and consultative capacity, the Academic Council provides valuable input to the Governing Board. It includes representatives from the Academic Councils or Senates of each university, ensuring a diverse perspective that incorporates the voices of both staff and students.
Management team:
Tasked with overseeing the development and implementation of the Demos Kratos European University vision, mission, and implementation plan, the Management Team consists of ERASMUS-EDU-2024-EUR-UNIV project Operational Officers. This body ensures effective execution and alignment with the university’s strategic objectives. This team coordinates support and management services, fostering collaboration, streamlining administrative processes, and responding adeptly to emerging issues.
Work Packages Implementation:
Key Actions called Work Packages are executed locally within each university by a team operating under the administrative authority of each university’s Operating Officer. This ensures focus on milestones and deliverables in each university, and refinancing of each step of our way based on delivered results.
External Advisory Board:
Offering non-binding but informed guidance, the External Advisory Board is composed of external experts, representatives from associated partners, and other European networks. This inclusive approach enriches decision-making with diverse perspectives and insights.
Legal Framework and Cross-Border Joint Venture:
If Demos Kratos European University manages to acquire funding in call ERASMUS-EDU-2024-EUR-UNIV, Demos Kratos European University will establish a Cross-Border Joint Venture and Strategic Alliance in accordance with Belgian law. (For more details, see: Cross-Border Joint Venture and Strategic Alliance Guide (Belgium) https://www.lydian.be/sites/default/files/files/2022-05/Cross-Border%20Joint%20Venture%20and%20Strategic%20Alliance%20Guide%20%28Belgium%29%202022.pdf). This legal entity will have the same governance bodies described above formalized to ensure funding is managed, implemented, and reported according to the highest standards. This strategic approach positions Demos Kratos European University within a legal framework that aligns with the dynamic and flexible nature of modern university collaborations.
Funding:
Demos Kratos operates from an International Relations office in each University and is committed to pursuing our goals, even if no additional funding from the EU Commission is acquired, on a smaller scale, with a budget for day-to-day operations fully financed by the participating universities. Additional funding will be acquired through various sources, including competitive EU and national projects. We exemplify this through applications to competitive calls from the National Governments and the European Commission to improve ability to disseminate results to larger audience.