This paper, which presents some ideas about establishing a consortium of institutes for development and research in Europe, is aimed at institute management personnel and was written especially for a meeting in The Hague, the Netherlands, in December 1989. The word "consortium" expresses organizers' view that institutes can profit from each others' work and can attain common goals through cooperation. Institutes can use each others' products such as curriculum materials, procedures and approaches, information and documentation, and staff training facilities. The proposed consortium's core function is to bring together expertise, experience, results, and know-how concerning educational improvement through research and development. After providing some background information, the paper discusses feasibility issues and the need to develop a formula embracing intended aims, forecasted problems, financing possibilities, and ways to encourage institutional participation. Responsibilities of the proposed council, executive committee, and advisory committees are detailed, as well as the consortium's role in expanding relationships with existing networks, programs, and international organizations. Ideally, the consortium should remain independent of these international organizations while establishing good working relationships with program managers. Finally, important practical issues are discussed concerning membership eligibility, funds and operating expenses, communication and language choices, decision-making procedures, and consortium name and status. (MLH)