Positive result for 2017 will strengthen Aarhus University’s strategic development
Aarhus University achieved a very satisfactory result for 2017 and is in a strong position to continue the planned strategic course set for the university. This is the assessment of the AU Board, which has just approved the university’s 2017 financial statements.
In 2017, Aarhus University posted a small budget surplus of DKK 68 million out of total revenue of DKK 6.5 billion, according to the 2017 annual report which the Board approved at a meeting on 11 April.
“The financial statements for 2017 are highly satisfactory. We’re on top of things, and a surplus amounting to one per cent of revenue attests to effective financial management. Aarhus University wants to leverage its healthy financial situation to strengthen strategic initiatives,” says Connie Hedegaard, chairman of the Board.
The 2017 surplus results from a significant drop in degree completion time, which has led to a total increase in education subsidies of DKK 22 million. At the same time, this has also meant that the university did not have to pay the DKK 44 million fine for delayed degree completion for which it had budgeted in 2017.
As regards the university’s income, it is also notable that private foundations increased their share of external research grants, from 25.3 per cent in 2016 to 28.7 per cent in 2017.
“The increase in grants from private foundations to Aarhus University is very positive. In recent years, the competition for funding has become more intense, and this increase shows that Aarhus University has a strong position in this competition,” says Connie Hedegaard.
In drawing up the budget for 2018-2021, the university is counting on additional investments, which in turn will result in higher levels of activity within strategic focus areas in teaching and research. Furthermore, additional funds will be allocated to the major infrastructure and property development the university is facing, for example in connection with the development of the AUH Nørrebrogade property in Aarhus.
In 2016, the AU Board approved the following strategic initiatives for Aarhus University: more engineers, improving the quality of the language degree programmes, the establishment of the National Centre for School Research, strengthening the research foundation of the business programmes and strengthening the commercial orientation of healthcare research and education. In 2017, the Board also approved a digitisation strategy which includes initiatives such as a focus on educational it and increased IT degree programme capacity.