PREAMBLE

The education and training authorities and establishments, the associations and companies of end-users, consumers, operators, content providers and producers of learning material and their systems, software and applications, and observers signing this MoU are herein referred to as the ‘Signatories’.

The Signatories Committing to improving the effectiveness of the cooperation between education and training authorities and establishments, users of learning technologies, service and content providers and producers in all legal countries of the world, Committing to fostering the development of common international standards for digital multimedia learning content and services, Committing to giving a global dimension to their cooperation, and to having open and effective dialogues on issues relating to learning technologies policy with policy makers in other regions of the world, while upholding each country’s cultural interests and specificities, Considering that the way to achieve these goals is by following certain common guidelines organizing their future cooperation, Considering that these guidelines should be based upon an analysis of the needs expressed by users of the information and communication technologies (ICT) in the education and training sector,

have agreed as follows:

ARTICLE I - SCOPE OF COOPERATION

The scope of co-operation under this MoU covers all aspects of multimedia access to education and training - creating a partnership for a common approach to the production and delivery of learning technologies, content and services, including their development and application in all areas of lifelong learning and technological activity. This may comprise all aspects of research, technological development, demonstration and procurement.
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ARTICLE II - GENERAL PRINCIPLES

The Signatories agree on the following general principles:

1. The Signatories will make their best efforts to improve mutual communication. In particular, users should be able to use open, interoperable technologies to formulate education and training requirements and business requirements for information and communication technologies (ICT) products and services.
   
   
2. The Signatories will explore and test various methods of cooperation, such as round table meetings, liaison functions, cross-membership and the management of common initiatives.
   
   
3. Cooperation initiated by a Signatory is open to other Signatories if they wish to participate and if they actively contribute to the purpose of the initiative. Such an initiative can be anything from a round table meeting to a common project or a permanent activity. For efficiency reasons, the initiator will seek the best match between participants, purpose and resources. Participants may include persons, organizations, and associations other than the Signatories.
   
   
4. The value of the contributions from the Signatories results from the active participation of their members.
   
   
5. Cooperation organized by Signatories will be supportive of the European Community policy of open systems and international standards.
   
   
6. All chapters (from the first to the fifth) of this MoU document form an integral part of this signed MoU and are equally valid in defining MoU goals and procedures.
   
   
7. In cases of differences between the original and translated versions of this MoU document, the English-language original version is the official one.

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ARTICLE III - ORGANIZING COOPERATION

1. A Signatory wishing to take an initiative involving other Signatories will invite them, on the MoU website, by giving timely notice, to a series of round table meetings.
   
   
2. The Signatory that has taken the initiative to call a round table meeting organizes and chairs the meeting and is responsible for preparing the agenda and minutes of the meeting, unless otherwise agreed.
   
   
3. If the conclusions of a series of round table meetings require further action from the participants, they may decide a common action and will in such case define their respective roles and contributions in a separate memorandum of understanding. Such a memorandum of understanding may provide for a different and appropriate permanent structure for cooperation for that particular subject.
   
   
4. A Signatory may take part in a round table meeting as either a participant or an observer. It will inform the other participants before the meeting starts whether it is taking part as an observer or as a participant. A participant is entitled to take a position on any common positions adopted, including the conclusions of the meeting. An observer does not participate in the decision making in the meeting(s).
   
   
5. If several Signatories decide to launch the same or similar initiative(s), they will use their best efforts to examine together whether it would not be more useful to combine such initiatives. If so, they will use their best efforts to make the necessary arrangements for the management of such meetings, including agreement on who shall chair the meetings.
   
   
6. The Signatory that has taken the initiative shall inform all other Signatories of their initiative on the MoU website, including subject, objective, participants and calendar of planned meetings.

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ARTICLE IV - INFORMATION

1. The Signatories will seek to obtain regular updated information from policy makers in the field of learning technologies.
   
   
2. When the Signatories consider it necessary in pursuing the goals of the MoU, they will allow for linking from the MoU website or send regular updates to other Signatories on the following information:
   
   
   1. The constitution, objectives, composition, members (numbers, profiles, etc.), contact persons and geographical coverage of the Signatory.
      
      
   2. Main field of activities and the services rendered to members.
      
      
   3. Published declaration in issues of interest to other Signatories.
      
      
   4. Plans for cooperation with other Signatories.
      
      
3. The Signatories with a relevant network of members will select and transmit all relevant information they receive from other Signatories to their members.

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ARTICLE V - INPUT IN POLICY MAKING

1. In order to ensure appropriate input for international education and training policy, the Signatories will welcome representatives of all countries to meetings to discuss important changes in education and training policy relevant to learning technologies.
   
   
2. A Signatory will make its best efforts to reach a common position with other Signatories having similar interests before submitting contributions to policy makers through the Chief of the European Regional Group of the Global University System. The MoU Steering Committee or an MoU Special Interest Group can invite national representatives to meet with them before they prepare such contributions.
   
   
3. When submitting contributions to policy makers through the Chief of the European Regional Group of the Global University System, on matters concerning learning technologies policy, the Signatories will provide evidence of the size and profile of their consultation base. The MoU Steering Committee can coordinate such contributions to the policy makers.

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ARTICLE VI - FUNDING FOR COMMON ACTIONS

1. The Signatories will, where appropriate, prepare proposals for common actions which:
   
   
   1. Result in a valuable and tangible contribution to the MoU objectives.
      
      
   2. Will involve their members in the work accomplished.
      
      
   3. Will exploit fully the cooperation with other Signatories, if necessary with the coordinating help of consultants or experts.
      
      
2. The Signatories will explore ways to achieve appropriate funding.

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ARTICLE VII - CONCLUDING PROVISIONS

1. This MoU remains open for signature for any organization or company wishing to follow the guidelines laid down herein.
   
   
2. A Signatory may at any time withdraw from the MoU. To do so, the Signatory will have to submit its resignation in writing to the MoU Secretariat.