These reconciliations do mean any privatization

Two years after the vote of the LRU law, what results are you getting its application

The observation is clearly positive. The autonomy of the universities taking place faster than expected: 60 of 85 universities will be passed to the responsibilities and expertise expanded in two years, is a much faster rate than the rise initially planned support (20 per year). This dynamic shows the strong aspiration of the universities to take advantage of this new area of freedom.

In practical terms, that could change this reform

Autonomy can hatch projects seeking to achieve their potential, but were hampered by cumbersome decision-making. Now, universities have their own budget, can manage themselves their staff, it is a true revolution. Similarly, considerable flexibility has been made in research programs, organization of training courses and courses, building links with the socio-economic world... But the approach goes much further still.

I.e.

Autonomy caused a spark. It prompted the universities closer to other actors in education and research, whether it's counterparts, schools or research organizations. The problem of the French University, it has been scattered in disciplines. However, to offer attractive education and hope international visibility, it is essential to develop expertise and common strategies, consolidate the publications.

These opportunities are already integrated

There are many examples. At the next re-entry, the first preparatory classes to the grandes écoles will be open in universities. Another initiative, Paris-Orsay, who signed last may an agreement of double diploma with the Ecole polytechnique. Similarly, the various players in the higher education tend to gather in the poles of research and higher education (Pres), which are currently twelve in place. Thus, the Pres de Lyon brings together the three universities of the city, two superior normal school, the Ecole centrale, EM Lyon, and the IEP. Putting in place common signatures, doctoral colleges, and double degrees, these poles may further compete at the global level.

The reform but was harshly attacked, with many movements in the campus. Is there still to make adjustments

Must be understood that autonomy will change all the benchmarks. We are moving from a system where projects sought treasures of energy, to a system where those ideas can achieve them quickly. It is normal that this raises concerns.

Consider governance. Some Presidents were elected in the 28th round by a College of 140 members. What then is the legitimacy of the individual Today, the application of the Act is likely to reassure. He must let it live.

Some also are concerned about the arrival of funding and the private sector.

This is a debate of the past. It is urgent to bring closer the University with the socio-economic world. This is what we are focusing on the employability of students, that the law has registered in the missions of the universities or via the establishment of private foundations. These reconciliations do mean any privatization. Since 2007, the State has increased its budget from the universities of 1 billion per year. When you know that the foundations were collected some 65 million private, it is not reasonable to speak of disengagement of the State.

The Shanghai ranking, comparing the performance of the universities at the global level, should be made public soon. Do you expect that the LRU law improves this year the performance of French universities

Eventually Yes. This classification has a lot of defects, but cannot ignore it. It is not appropriate to enhance the forces of French education. When you have 85 universities, large 225 schools and 21 research organizations, you are not legible for a classification of this type. I have proposed, during the French Presidency to establish a European alternative. A dozen European countries have agreed to participate. This is not a ranking, but a mapping. Universities will be thus evaluated by training (law, economy management, science) and non-establishment. A first establishment was chosen before the summer to establish a mapping in economics and engineering for 2012.

Interview by Maxime Amiot