Reducing bureaucracy at universities: Chancellors demand more personal responsibility!

Reducing bureaucracy at universities: Chancellors demand more personal responsibility!

The University of Kassel sounded the alarm on March 17, 2025. Combined with an urgent appeal to politicians, the administrative management of the universities are calling for a comprehensive offensive to simplify administration. At a meeting of chancellors, the clarity and urgency of an “excessive level” of regulatory requirements that prevails in state institutions was highlighted. This over-regulation not only blocks efficiency, but is also an obstacle to scientific work at universities.

As part of the proposals that are now to be submitted to the legislature and ministries, those responsible emphasize the urgent need for more trust and personal responsibility within the institutions. Concerns about increasing bureaucracy are leading to calls to promote standardization of processes and reduce reporting requirements. The Chancellors aim to achieve noticeable effects with these measures, which will ultimately help to make more science possible again in universities.

Demands for administrative simplification

The planned measures have met with broad approval in the higher education sector. There are always calls to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and speed up decision-making processes. In many cases, universities find themselves in a labyrinth of regulations and expectations that make it significantly more difficult to implement their core tasks. This position is supported by the statement of Joachim Hill, an expert from the Bundestag. He emphasizes the need for political decision-makers to also take appropriate measures to strengthen trust in institutional structures.

In addition to simplifying processes, a deeper reflection on the role of bureaucracy at universities is also required. This could not only improve the way administrative staff work, but also increase the motivation of scientists.

The way into the future

The efforts of the university administration are aimed at bringing about a paradigm shift in higher education policy in which the scientific needs of researchers and students are once again placed at the center. Such a change could be the key to a more dynamic and innovation-friendly scientific landscape.

Future-oriented capacities are essential, and many universities cannot afford to be trapped in a rigid bureaucratic system. The discussions about administrative simplifications are heard not only in Germany, but also internationally. It remains to be seen what concrete steps will ultimately be taken by politicians to implement the universities' demands.

For further information on the topic and specific measures see University of Kassel and the Statement by Joachim Hill.