Higher Education Across Europe: Contemporary Missions for Historical Institutions

Tamar Groves; Ana Cuevas Badallo

doi:10.14516/fde.2016.014.021.001

Authors

Tamar Groves University of Extremadura. Spain Author
Ana Cuevas Badallo University of Salamanca. Spain Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14516/fde.2016.014.021.001

Keywords:

Universities, Higher Education, Europe, Comparative Education

Abstract

Universities may be old institutions, but at the beginning of the 21^st century they find themselves assuming new roles, such as developing the economy, contributing to social integration, fomenting cultural diversity, defending human rights, guaranteeing regional development and even protecting the environment. The complex combination of neoliberal economy, globalization and the emergence of the knowledge society has not undermined their position, on the contrary, it has led to their expansion. We thus sketch very briefly the varied characteristics of European universalities today and outline the major challenges which they confront. Using a variety of case studies we look at processes of modernization and incorporation of new technologies, as well as attempts to redefine systems of evaluation and admission. We also discuss threats to their essence as autonomous research and teaching institutions, due to closer relations with the economy and its demands for highly qualified workers.

References

Barnett, R. (2012). The Future University: Ideas and Possibilities. Routledge.

Bonaccorsi, A. (2014). Knowledge, Diversity and Performance in European Higher Education: A Changing Landscape. Edward Elgar Publishing.

Daraio, C., Bonaccorsi, A., Geuna, A., Lepori, B., Bach, L., Bogetoft, P., & Eeckaut, P. V. (2011). The European university landscape: A micro characterization based on evidence from the Aquameth project. Research Policy, 40(1), 148-164. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2010.10.009

Keeling, R. (2006). The Bologna Process and the Lisbon Research Agenda: the European Commission’s expanding role in higher education discourse. European Journal of Education, 41(2), 203–223.

Raivio, K. (2008). Foreword. University reform – a prerequisite for success of knowledge-based economy? In Mazza, C., Quattrone, P., & Riccaboni, A. (Eds.), European universities in transition: issues, models and cases (pp. xiii-xviii). Edward Elgar Pub: Cheltenham, UK.

Schriewer, Jürgen (2009). «Rationalized Myths» in European Higher Education The Construction and Diffusion of the Bologna Model. European Education, 41(2), 31-51.

Steiner-Khamsi G. (2002). Re – Framing Educational Borrowing as a Policy Strategy. In: Caruso, M., & Tenorth, H.-E. (Eds.), Internalisierung. Internationalisation. Comparing Educational Systems and Semantics (pp. 57-89). Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang.

Teichler, U. (2005). New patterns of diversity in higher education: towards a convergent knowledge. In Bleiklie, I., & Henkel, M. (Eds.), Governing Knowledge: A Study of Continuity and Change in Higher Education (pp. 97-112). Springer: Dordrecht.

Teichler, U. (2008). Diversification? Trends and explanations of the shape and size of higher education. Higher education, 56(3), 349-379.

Tight, M. (2012). Researching Higher Education. McGraw-Hill Education (UK).