The clouds of uncertainty from the spring have parted and EFL’s future is now clearer. The questions affecting the foundation’s business have been straightened out, and now it is clear that EFL will continue to be a long-term key part in the School of Economics and Management’s collaboration with industry and organizations. “We now have the frameworks in place needed to continue investing in the future with full force,” says EFL Chairman of the Board Stein Kleppestø.
EFL Chairman of the Board Stein Kleppestø and EFL CEO Henrik Lundgren
The uncertainties and turbulence surrounding EFL’s existence in the spring resulted from Lund University’s decision to take a more active central role in contract education, which will impact the School of Economics and Management’s future approach to contract education. This led to uncertainty concerning the terms on which the school’sfaculty may be involved in EFL’s business in late spring.
The School of Economics and Management will continue to fully support EFL in working closely with both EFL’s clients and the school to develop relevant continuing professional education programs in fields such as management, leadership, corporate governance and business development.
“There was a process over the summer to bring clarity to the ground rules for contract andc ontinuing education, and we are pleased with the school’s finding that EFL’s current business does not fall under contract education. This means that we can carry on in the short term, and also gives us the opportunity to realize some really exciting ideas for developing our program offerings in the long-term,” says EFL Chairman of the Board Stein Kleppestø.
EFL will also continue to serve as a channel for bringing industry and the public sector closer to the School of Economics and Management, and vice versa. EFL and Stiftelsen Partnerskap (the school’s foundation for corporate partnerships) together serve as a key interface.
“Effective executive education is generally a key component of successful business schools. Naturally, I am very pleased that all parties have now reached a consensus that EFL’s activities and strong brand are assets to the School of Economics and Management in its ambitions to invest in collaboration,” says EFL CEO Henrik Lundgren.
As a result of the university’s aim to manage contract education centrally, the School of Economics and Management will now develop contract programs in areas closely related to the school’s regular programs, such as the Executive MBA, while EFL will have a freer role to provide continuing professional development and continuing education in close collaboration with industry and the public sector. However, the school will provide contract education in a way that leverages the synergies between the expertise and resources of EFL and the school and that is in close coordination with the university’s central support organization for collaboration.
“Both collaboration and coordination between EFL and the School of Economics and Management will be enhanced to get the most out of and develop the expertise at the school and meet various market needs for continuing professional development. EFL will be an even more natural part of this ecosystem,” says Stein Kleppestø. “EFL enjoys a high level of market respect and has decades of experience in designing, packaging and selling programs in partnership with the School of Economics and Management. Developing even closer collaboration will benefit all parties in the upcoming investment in collaboration.”
Consequently, the school and EFL are preparing for an even stronger partnership going forward.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate EFL’s upcoming 50-year anniversary than this good news that our business will continue. Now we’ll charge ahead in the work we do for our clients and network companies,” EFL CEO Henrik Lundgren concludes.