The major crisis in higher education and research requires collaboration rather than opposition between its stakeholders

In an already worrying context for higher education and research, Professor Dominique Foray’s opinion piece in Le Monde sparked a lively debate within the academic community. This reaction highlights a key issue: the need to cultivate collaboration between research stakeholders and teacher-researchers. At the heart of this discussion lies a fundamental question: how can we ensure quality training while preserving the innovation needed to meet contemporary challenges? Strategies must evolve toward partnership rather than opposition to ensure the future of our educational and research institutions. Current Challenges for Higher Education and Research in France In a constantly evolving society, higher education and research play a crucial role in creating knowledge and developing skills. However, research organizations such as the CNRS are facing unprecedented challenges. With a considerable workforce of 33,800 employees in 2025, including 11,800 permanent researchers, expectations regarding their contribution to society are higher than ever. Criticisms of the Current System Mr. Foray’s criticism highlights a growing perception among some economists that professors and researchers benefit from certain privileges, notably exemption from teaching obligations. However, this simplistic view overlooks the distribution of roles and responsibilities among the various research stakeholders.Misunderstanding of Missions: It is crucial to recognize that the CNRS, in addition to its primary mission of fundamental research, contributes to training through supervision, seminars, and many other educational activities.

Importance of Joint Research Units:

These units promote Collaboration between researchers, enabling beneficial synergy between universities and research organizations. Impact of budget cuts:The budget cuts suggested by some economists could severely harm the quality of teaching and, consequently, the resulting research.

It is therefore essential to rethink the framework within which our educational institutions operate.

Training

cannot be separated from research, as one feeds into the other. To build a future conducive to innovation, we must inspire constructive dialogue among all stakeholders in higher education. Stakeholders Main Missions
Contribution to Training CNRS Fundamental Research Supervision of Internships and Doctorates
Universities Education, Applied Research

Theoretical and Practical Training Joint Institutions Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Sharing Knowledge between Researchers and Students	The Need for a Strengthened Partnership Between Research Stakeholders	It is imperative to develop strong partnerships between the various entities involved in higher education and research. To achieve this, collaborative approaches must take precedence over conflicting approaches. A shared vision for combining research and training must be articulated.
Collaborative Dynamics	Higher education stakeholders must recognize their respective strengths and work together to achieve common goals. Here are some key elements to foster this partnership:	Transparency of Missions:
Clarify the different responsibilities of lecturer-researchers and researchers to avoid misunderstandings. Encouraging exchanges:	Organizing workshops, conferences, and other events to bring together different stakeholders to stimulate creativity.	Joint initiatives:
Develop joint research projects between universities and research organizations to maximize resources and promote an interdisciplinary approach.	These initiatives cannot guarantee immediate success, but they represent crucial steps in building a sustainable innovation framework. The ultimate goal is to improve teaching and research conditions by fostering a climate where knowledge is shared and multiplied.	Initiatives

Objectives

Expected Results Collaborative Workshops Exchange of Best Practices Increased Research Quality Joint Research Projects Maximized Resources More Robust and Relevant Results

Inter-Institutional Conferences

Boosted Knowledge Sharing

Strengthened Academic Networks The Challenges of Decision-Making within Institutions
Managing higher education institutions is complex. In 2025, a critical look at decision-making processes is essential. Often, the priorities of different stakeholders are not aligned, which can generate tensions. Aligning Priorities To address this situation, it is essential to work on aligning priorities among the various stakeholders. This involves rethinking governance models and promoting collaboration.
Developing a Common Framework: Define a shared vision within institutions.

Decentralizing Decisions:Encourage local initiatives by different departments and research units. Creating Focus Groups: Form committees composed of representatives from all stakeholders to discuss possible developments. These actions aim to establish a climate of trust and cooperation, essential for strengthening the effectiveness of higher education and research. When stakeholders feel listened to and involved, the result is a beneficial synergy that fosters innovation.

Strategies	Potential Impact	Success Indicators
Shared Vision	Clarity of Objectives	Stakeholder Engagement
Decentralization	Promoting Initiatives	New Projects Launched
Collaborative Roundtables	Listening to Concerns	Improving Stakeholder Satisfaction

Building a Future for Higher Education and Research

In conclusion, it is essential to recognize that the current crisis in higher education and research requires a radical shift in mindsets and practices.

Innovation

can only flourish in an environment where collaboration and partnershipare the key words. Research and training stakeholders must work together to build a future where every voice is heard and resources are mobilized for the common good.

Developments to consider Current debates surrounding the roles of professors and researchers at the CNRS highlight one idea: the need to pool knowledge and redefine priorities. This will require concrete actions aimed at harmonizing and respecting the specificities of each, while ensuring truly high-quality training for students.
Creation of joint programs: Develop curricula that encompass both theory and practice, drawing on the experience of researchers.
Valorizing feedback: Encourage feedback from alumni to adjust training content.

Networking of young researchers:

Promote international exchanges to enrich research.	These initiatives will foster a more coherent and synergistic educational and research ecosystem, essential for meeting the challenges of tomorrow.	Strategic Vision
Actions to be Implemented	Impact	Leveraging Knowledge
Joint Training Programs	Harmonizing Teaching	Active Listening
Promoting Feedback	Continuous Improvement	International Outreach

Creating Networks of Young Researchers

Enriching Research Perspectives