Dutch institutions still interested in development programmes
A recent Nuffic study shows that development cooperation is no longer a priority in most higher education institutions’ central policy. Instead, any involvement in development cooperation has become part of their general internationalisation policies. However, there is still considerable interest in development cooperation within the institutions and especially among students.
In preparation for the new capacity building programmes, Nuffic did some research among 36 Dutch higher education institutions and ‘non-education institutions’. We asked them about their motivations to participate in the capacity development programmes in post-secondary education and training funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Currently the capacity building programmmes include a scholarship programme (NFP) and institutional programmes (NPT, NICHE). These programmes will be renewed.
Supporting developing countries
Generally, Dutch organisations seem to be in favour of supporting developing countries through the current types of capacity building programmes in post-secondary education. This is confirmed by the considerable amount of interest in participation (or continued participation) in such programmes.
Participation in such programmes is thought to offer an opportunity to fulfil ambitions in terms of social responsibility and world citizenship. But contributions to capacity building in developing countries are also expected to add value to the institutions’ own profiles and to their own interests in the fields of education and research.
Room for improvement
In particular with the NPT and NICHE programmes, institutions do perceive some obstacles, including the lack of opportunities to promote their own interests and priorities, the complexity of projects and the costs of acquisition, implementation and management. Provided that these areas are improved, participation in future institutional programmes will be a serious option for many organisations.
Dutch organisations are more enthusiastic and eager to participate in future scholarship programmes. The NFP scholarship programme seems to generate sufficient added value for training providers. Some adjustments in the new selection system designed in connection with the amended Foreign Affairs policy will further boost the programmes’ appeal.
Recommendations
The report of this study includes recommendations of the participating institutions for future programmes. These are listed in the English summary of the 
Dutch report (p. 3-4) “De Filantropie voorbij”(437.3 kB) (Beyond Philanthropy).