The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) and the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) are currently exploring a closer collaboration, with full integration being one of the options. “We want to position ourselves as strategically as possible, especially now that the role of universities in the Global South is under pressure”, says Ganzevoort. “It is becoming more difficult for us to connect the North and the South as a ‘knowledge broker’.” According to him, there is decreasing willingness in Europe and the Netherlands to contribute to development and capacity building in Africa, Latin America and Asia: the Netherlands has significantly cut its development cooperation budget, restricted subsidies to matters of direct national benefit, and terminated the scholarship programme for students from the Global South.
Nothing to do with budget cuts
Both institutes have seen a significant drop in student numbers since last year, when scholarships from the Orange Knowledge Programme came to an end, halving student intake. However, Ganzevoort and Dodman stress that the initiative is not driven by budget cuts or the end of that programme. “This is not a financially motivated discussion”, says Dodman. “Of course, the conversation is taking place in a challenging financial context, but that is not the reason.”
According to Dodman, the considerations are primarily strategic and substantive. “We realise that our institutes are a good match and complement each other. We already work closely together on student recruitment, research, alumni networks and consultancy projects. This step is a logical continuation of that.”
Decision in a few months
A project group is currently examining the pros and cons of a merger. “We hope to receive the group’s recommendation before the summer, from which a decision will ultimately follow”, says Ganzevoort.
Housing is one of the issues under review. The ISS building in The Hague is due for renovation, which would be costly. At the same time, Ganzevoort emphasises the importance of maintaining a physical presence in The Hague, partly because of collaborations with embassies and international organisations. Whether the institutes’ shared future will be in The Hague or Rotterdam has yet to be decided. “Both cities are important to the work and identity of the two institutes, so we need to give that careful thought”, says Dodman.
Impact on staff and students
According to Dodman, staff from both institutes have responded positively to the plans. Nonetheless, he acknowledges that the idea also raises questions. “Any major change naturally brings uncertainty. That is why it is our job to explore this thoroughly, to keep staff well informed and to address their concerns openly and directly.”
So far, there are no plans for restructuring or redundancies. “We have carefully assessed our staffing needs and do not expect any structural changes”, Dodman explains.
For students, nothing will change for now. The master’s programmes of ISS and IHS are currently being re-accredited. In the longer term, the institutes see opportunities for joint degree programmes.
