Professor Paul Curran discussed the increasing competitiveness yet continued collaboration within universities. While universities compete for resources, prestige, and students, academics often ignore boundaries and collaborate through activities like joint publications and committees. The most competitive universities tend to also be the most collaborative. Universities must collaborate in some areas, like student exchanges and joint programs, to effectively compete. Professor Curran highlighted the World Cities World Class University Network, which connects top universities in major cities worldwide in specific subject areas to improve rankings and win grants through collaboration despite competition.

1. JISC Research Conference 19 th October 2010 Plenary Address Professor Paul Curran Vice-Chancellor City University London

11. Politechnico di Milano Hong Kong Polytechnic University St Petersburg State Polytechnic University Seoul National University Technical University of Berlin Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Mexico City University of Sao Paulo Founding members of WC2 network

12. World Cities, World Class (WC2) University Network Launch