Consortium as a Model of Cooperation Between Universities Based on a World-Class Inter-University Campus
https://doi.org/10.21684/2412-2343-2026-13-2-253-271
Abstract
This article offers a comprehensive study of the foundations for a consortium of Russian universities within a world‑class inter‑university campus, addressing both its theoretical and applied dimensions. The purpose of the study is to identify optimal mechanisms of cooperation between educational and research institutions in order to enhance their effectiveness. The analysis covers the conceptual underpinnings of consortia, examines international cases in establishing university and research consortia (in particular, the European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) model and examples from the United States), and identifies problematic aspects of the Russian legal framework governing consortium‑based university cooperation. The authors employ content analysis, document analysis, economic analysis of law, and comparative jurisprudence. This methodological toolkit makes it possible to identify relevant legal foundations, systematise practices, and outline mechanisms suitable for Russian educational landscape. The article argues that, despite the diversity of approaches to defining consortia and the various options for their organisational and legal design, current Russian legislation does not provide unified, systematic or detailed regulation in this area. This gap significantly complicates the practical implementation of the consortium concept, including in the context of world‑class university campuses. The authors propose improvements to the legislative framework, grounded in scientific analysis, to support the effective development of new forms of educational integration and cooperation. The article considers the feasibility of different management models (such as single‑hub and multi‑hub structures) and highlights the strategic importance of consortium‑based integration for the scientific and technological development of the Russian Federation. The findings have both theoretical and practical significance for legislative activity, strategic planning in higher education and research, and the management of integration processes within inter‑university campuses.
Keywords
consortium,
university campus,
university cooperation,
cooperation models,
consortium agreement,
legal regulation,
scientific and technological development,
technological sovereignty
Supporting agencies: Исследование выполнено за счет гранта Российского научного фонда № 24-28-20273, https://rscf.ru/project/24-28-20273/ «Организационно-правовая модель социальной и научно-образовательной инклюзии на базе современных кампусов научной кооперации организаций Челябинской области с использованием новой региональной инфраструктуры научно-образовательной среды (кампуса международного уровня)».
About the Authors
A. A. Sukhanova
South Ural State University (National Research University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Alexandra Andreevna Sukhanova – Associate Professor, Department of Constitutional and Administrative Law, Law Institute
76 Lenin Ave., Chelyabinsk, 454080
E. V. Titova
South Ural State University (National Research University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elena Viktorovna Titova – Professor, Head, Department of Constitutional and Administrative Law, Law Institute
76 Lenin Ave., Chelyabinsk, 454080
N. I. Shumakova
South Ural State University (National Research University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Natalia Igorevna Shumakova – Senior Lecturer, Department of Constitutional and Administrative Law, Law Institute
76 Lenin Ave., Chelyabinsk, 454080
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Review
For citations:
Sukhanova A.A., Titova E.V., Shumakova N.I. Consortium as a Model of Cooperation Between Universities Based on a World-Class Inter-University Campus. BRICS Law Journal. 2026;13(2):253-271. https://doi.org/10.21684/2412-2343-2026-13-2-253-271
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