A new direction in the Lithuanian higher education drawn by VU: establishment of a joint research and innovation centre with the University of Lancaster

Today, on November 12, a memorandum on the establishment of a research and innovation centre at the Vilnius University (VU) Business School was signed between VU and the University of Lancaster at the Embassy of the United Kingdom. One of the main goals of the new R-E-D (Research, Engagement and Delivery research) centre is to strengthen the research potential in Lithuania and the entire Central European region by developing and expanding the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, strengthening high-quality research and business partnerships and at the same time business studies.

“This is a historic event both for Vilnius University and the whole higher education sector in Lithuania. After long negotiations, two universities will unite their efforts in developing entrepreneurship and innovation activities. This step will strengthen the development of science-based knowledge, set an exceptional example for international cooperation, and help increase the partnership between science and business. We are proud of the leadership of Vilnius University Business School in this field,” VU Rector Prof Rimvydas Petrauskas says.

This agreement is a new quality direction in Lithuanian higher education. Unlike the traditional cooperation in promoting international mobility, initiating joint research projects and creating joint networks, with this partnership a world-renowned university comes to Lithuania, which will strengthen Lithuanian research potential, will develop high-level business research in the field of business together with VU Business School, will strengthen the ecosystem of Lithuanian start-ups and encourage the development of innovation. The agreement between VU and Lancaster also includes cooperation in the field of studies in order to strengthen business studies and develop lifelong learning in the field of entrepreneurship.

British Ambassador to Lithuania Brian Olley says: “I warmly congratulate Vilnius and Lancaster Universities on building this significant strategic partnership, which will strengthen higher business education and will boost bilateral and international research collaboration between UK and Lithuania, crucial to transforming economies and lives.”

Over the next two years, VU Business School and Lancaster University School of Management will also have to develop an action programme to make VU Business School the leader in Central Europe.

“Many positive changes have taken place in the Lithuanian higher education system by improving the quality of studies, the competitiveness of science and innovations, and by strengthening the country’s research potential. Along with these changes, the country’s universities have become global market players. The main direction of the future of Lithuanian higher education is internationality and interdisciplinary, In this way, Lithuanian higher education institutions will continue to strengthen our country's education system. Today, business schools are a catalyst for innovation development skills in the strongest countries in the world. With the arrival of a world-class university in Lithuania, VU opens up new opportunities to become an entrepreneurial leader in Europe,” says the Chairwoman of the Lithuanian Educational Council Prof Dr Saulė Mačiukaitė-Žvinienė.

The agreement was signed by VU Rector Prof Dr R. Petrauskas and Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lancaster Prof Simon Guy. Due to the pandemic situation in the world, the agreement was signed in a virtual ceremony and broadcast live from the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Vilnius and the University of Lancaster.