18-19 April 2012, University of Szeged, Hungary

The modern higher education institutional networks following the global tendencies must be directly and proactively committed towards society. Hungarian higher education institutions contribute diversely to the development of society and economy: on one hand they provide knowledge and skilled labour force, and on the other hand functioning as the centre of regional knowledge clusters they impart their knowledge with the collaborating partners. The national higher education institutions have to make compatible and distinguishable advantage for themselves from the important fields of research-informed teaching and by using regionally committed and globally embedded inspired research. For obtaining this, it is of key-importance for them to broaden their relationship with non-training institutions and creating knowledge clusters cooperating with the broader community, thus covering the divided knowledge creation system.

The new higher education model is characterized by the triple unity of teaching/learning – research/discovery – innovation/commitment. Higher education is no longer the sole source of creation for new ideas and innovation. Research is realized through bilateral, interregional and global networks, and through interweaving innovation systems as complex problems need collaborative solutions.

In order to address these challenges the MELLearN Network and the University of Szeged organized the 9th Hungarian National and International Lifelong Learning Conference on the 18-19 April 2012 in Szeged, Hungary on the topic “The Social Engagement of Higher Education in Lifelong Learning: Responsibility and Opportunity for Breaking Out. Quality, Financing and Openness”.