Mapping the Implementation and Application of the ESG (MAP-ESG Project) Final Report of the Project Steering Group

Jul 6, 2026

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Final report of the MAP-ESG project Steering Group, presenting an overarching study on how the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) are implemented across 47 Bologna signatory countries. The report synthesizes expert views from teachers and students, higher education management and internal quality assurance bodies, external agencies, EQAR and ministries, and social partners. It analyzes the purpose and scope, clarity and usability, implementation and impact, and integrates stakeholder perspectives to support a careful revision of the ESG for greater clarity, applicability, and usefulness.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages66

Reading Time2 h 46 min

Table of contents

Foreword

Executive summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to the ESG, background and history

Chapter 2: Introduction to the MAP-ESG project

Chapter 3: Major findings of the project

Purpose and Scope of the ESG

Clarity and Usability of the ESG

Implementation and Impact of the ESG

Chapter 4: Conclusions

Chapter 5: Recommendation

References

Annex 1: Report on the ENQA consultation

Annex 2: Executive Summary of the ESU consultation report

Annex 3: EUA Consultation on the Implementation of the ESG

Annex 4: General Introduction to the EURASHE Consultation

Annex 5: Abbreviations

Annex 6: Steering Group Members

OCCASIONAL PAPERS 17 MAPPING THE IMPLEMENTATION AND APPLICATION OF THE ESG (MAP-ESG PROJECT) Final report of the project Steering Group OccasiOnal papers 17 Mapping the iMpleMentation and application of the eSg ( Map-eSg project) Final report of the project Steering Group 2 | | | | --- | --- | | This project has been funded with support from the European Commission in the framework of the Lifelong Learning programme. This publication reflects the views of the authors only and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. | | ISBN 978-952-5539-63-9 (paperbound) ISBN 978-952-5539-62-2 (PDF) ISSN 1458-1051 The present report can be downloaded from the ENQA website at [http://www.enqa.eu/pubs.lasso](http://www.enqa.eu/pubs.lasso) © European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education 2011, Brussels Quotation allowed only with source reference. Cover design and page layout: Eija Vierimaa Edited by Elena Mazza Brussels, Belgium, 2011 3 Table of contents Foreword.............................................................................................................. 4 Executive summary.............................................................................................. 5 Chapter 1: Introduction to the ESG, background and history ............................... 7 Chapter 2: Introduction to the MAP-ESG project ............................................... 12 Chapter 3: Major findings of the project ............................................................. 16 Purpose and Scope of the ESG.............................................................................16 Clarity and Usability of the ESG ..........................................................................19 Implementation and Impact of the ESG.............................................................. 20 Chapter 4: Conclusions ...................................................................................... 23 Chapter 5: Recommendation .............................................................................. 24 References ......................................................................................................... 25 Annex 1: Report on the ENQA consultation........................................................ 27 Annex 2: Executive Summary of the ESU consultation report ............................ 35 Annex 3: EUA Consultation on the Implementation of the ESG.......................... 41 Annex 4: General Introduction to the EURASHE Consultation .......................... 51 Annex 5: Abbreviations ...................................................................................... 63 Annex 6: Steering Group Members ....................................................................64 4 Foreword In 2010 the organisations that form the E4 Group, notably ENQA, ESU, EUA and EURASHE launched the “Mapping the Implementation and Application of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (MAP-ESG)” project in order to gather information on how the ESG have been implemented and applied in the 47 Bologna signatory countries in higher education institutions and in quality assurance institutions, and to launch a thorough discussion on the ESG in their entirety. In doing so the E4 Group responded to a discussion which has gained momentum since 2009 and which suggested that there should be a review of the ESG. This report presents the results of the activities carried out in the context of the MAP-ESG project. In doing so the report provides the first overarching study on the implementation of the ESG in all its parts, and a thorough analysis of their impact. The report is based on the analysis of expert views from all relevant actors and stakeholders in higher education, notably teachers and students, higher education management and inte

FAQs

What is the MAP-ESG project and what does the report cover?

The MAP-ESG project maps how the ESG are implemented and applied in higher education institutions and quality assurance institutions. The report covers findings on purpose and scope, clarity and usability, and implementation and impact.

Which countries are examined regarding ESG implementation?

The project gathers information on ESG implementation and application in 47 Bologna signatory countries within higher education and quality assurance contexts.

Why does the report call for revising the ESG?

The report supports a careful revision to improve clarity, applicability, and usefulness, integrating perspectives from all stakeholders and responding to the need to analyze and review the ESG after implementation time.

Jul 6, 2026

Upload by Asher