Ivo Matser is currently managing director of both TSM and SWOT. The two schools are housed in the same building, opposite the UT. The university is TSM's only shareholder, SWOT's board consists of the UT, Saxion University and industry partners.
The intention - the plans are ready, but still require the necessary signatures - is to start a foundation that bundles Twente graduate education. Matser: `We have two institutes that complement and strengthen each other instead of competing. TSM focuses more on the national in company education programs, SWOT more on open regional programs. TSM has contacts with major enterprises, SWOT concentrates more on medium-sized businesses. Cooperation is cheaper while producing better results. We can complement and learn from each other.'
The best way of doing that was to start a foundation, said Matser. `We did not want to merge everything and continue under a different name. Instead we will start one new parent foundation for both TSM and SWOT. The holding will be called Twente School of Management. The supervisory board will consist of the UT, Saxion and industry partners.' The UT will be represented by a member of the executive board.
The foundation will buy the stocks from the UT. `We are becoming more independent economically, but the connection to the UT remains. Our relation with UT alumni is very important: if they are looking for a graduate program, we want them to consider Twente.' Matser would prefer TSM and SWOT to move to campus. `That is where we belong.' One of the foundation's first tasks will be to appoint a new dean. Matser: `That could be a UT professor.'
The UT executive board discussed TSM last week. Chairman Flierman confirms that TSM will become independent administratively and step out of UT holding Technopolis. Over two years ago, the business school decided to operate under the wings of the UT, after a financially rough period. However, the desired win-win situation could not be accomplished.
.aut Trans. Jeroen Latour
