e-Framework gathers international support
New Zealand
and the Netherlands join programme to support education and research
New Zealand’s Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Netherlands SURF Foundation have been formally welcomed as partners in the e-Framework Initiative.
The e-Framework is an ambitious and far-reaching programme, exploring more flexible approaches to the technical infrastructures for e-learning, e-research and e-administration. Undertaken up to now by Jisc and Australia’s Department for Education, Science and Training (DEST), the initiative is now attracting growing international support, from national education and research bodies as well as commercial IT suppliers worldwide.
Murray Leach, representing the MoE, commented that:
“Joining the initiative signals a timely and strategic investment for New Zealand. Having just completed the development of an ICT Strategic Framework for Education, it is now time to focus upon building infrastructure using knowledge gained from participation in e-Framework activities.”
Bas Cordewener, representing SURF, said:
“We in the Netherlands welcome the collaborative partnership because it will help us take advantage of broad global alliances to develop best of breed solutions based on service oriented approaches for national and international purposes.”
Speaking on behalf of the Jisc-DEST Cooperation Partnership Board, Sarah Porter said:
“We are particularly pleased to welcome colleagues from SURF and the New Zealand Ministry of Education to assist us in what we realise is an ambitious venture. Both SURF and the MoE have impressive records in developing IT solutions for education and information environments. Their experience will provide valuable perspectives in developing the e-Framework.”
The new partnership arrangements were formalized at a meeting in London of the Jisc-DEST Cooperation Partnership Board on 15 June 2006. While overall responsibility for the initiative remains with the Board, the new partners will participate in the e-Framework Partners’ Strategy Group and the e-Framework Partners’ Development Group.
For further information on the e-Framework.