ESMU was created in 1986 as  an international think tank non profit association to promote the strategic management of European universities. By offering management development programmes, benchmarking exercises and a learning environment on good management practices,  ESMU brings valuable support to European universities striving to further their strategic developments.

ESMU has a General Assembly and Board.

The Board

The Board is the executive body of the association. It meets three times a year to discuss the policies of the Centre, to give orientations on future activities and monitor projects. the Chairman of the Board is prof. Frans VAN VUGHT, Advisor EC President Barroso; Former rector, Universiteit Twente (NL).

The Secretariat

The Secretariat executes the policy of the General Assembly and the Board. The Secretariat co-ordinates all activities and projects and liaises with project partners mainly but not exclusively in the European Union.