Globalization and Change in Higher Education : The Political Economy of Policy Reform in Europe

This book sets out political economy explanations for higher education policy reform in Europe in the initial decades of the 21st century. With a sustained focus on the national level of policy implementation, institutional change is considered in relationship to broader trends in economic development and globalization. Since the concept of a “Europe of Knowledge” was presented by the European Commission in 1997, the pursuit of global competitiveness sets the context for the international initiative of the Bologna Process that has created the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Growing from 29 to 48 participating countries, there are three core explanations for change in the policy process: globalization (economic), intergovernmentalism (political), and Europeanization (social). As part of multi-method research analysis, this book presents qualitative case studies on Portugal and Spain to consider points of comparison, including national governance history and modernization of higher education institutions. The structure of government in these countries affects the policy reforms. Ultimately, the Bologna Process serves as a model for integration of higher education reform in other world regions. This book is essential reading for students, researchers, and policy makers in the fields of education, economics, and public policy. This book sets out political economy explanations for higher education policy reform in Europe in the initial decades of the 21st century. With a sustained focus on the national level of policy implementation, institutional change is considered in relationship to broader trends in economic development and globalization. Since the concept of a zEurope of Knowledgey was presented by the European Commission in 1997, the pursuit of global competitiveness sets the context for the international initiative of the Bologna Process that has created the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Growing from 29 to 48 participating countries, there are three core explanations for change in the policy process: globalization (economic), intergovernmentalism (political), and Europeanization (social). As part of multi-method research analysis, this book presents qualitative case studies on Portugal and Spain to consider points of comparison, including national governance history and modernization of higher education institutions. The structure of government in these countries affects the policy reforms. Ultimately, the Bologna Process serves as a model for integration of higher education reform in other world regions. This book is essential reading for students, researchers, and policy makers in the fields of education, economics, and public policy "This books sets out political economy explanations for higher education policy reform in Europe in the initial decades of the 21st century. With a sustained focus on the national level of policy implementation, institutional changes is considered in relationship to broader trends in economic development and globalization. Since the concept of "Europe of Knowledge" was presented by the European Commission in 1997, the pursuit of global competitiveness sets the context for the international initiative of the Bologna Process that has created the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Growing from 29 to 48 participating countries, there are three core explanations for change in the policy process: globalization (economic), intergovernmentalism (political), and Europeanization (social). As part of multi-method research analysis, this book presents qualitative case studies on Portugal and Spain to consider points of comparison, including national governance history and modernization of higher education institutions. The structure of government in these countries affect the policy reforms. Ultimately, the Bologna Process serves as a model for integration of higher education reform in other world regions."--Back cover Front Matter ....Pages i-xxvii Background on Higher Education Policy in Europe (Beverly Barrett)....Pages 1-9 Institutions and Ideas: The Political, Economic, and Social Context for the Bologna Process (Beverly Barrett)....Pages 11-34 Historical Institutionalism and Change in Higher Education (Beverly Barrett)....Pages 35-55 The Dual Roles of Higher Education Institutions in the Knowledge Economy (Beverly Barrett)....Pages 57-73 The Context for Higher Education Attainment: A Quantitative Assessment (Beverly Barrett)....Pages 75-107 Portugal: Political Economy Explanations for Centralized Reforms (Beverly Barrett)....Pages 109-134 The Role of Stakeholders in Internationalization in Portugal (Beverly Barrett)....Pages 135-159 Spain: Political Economy Explanations for Decentralized Reforms (Beverly Barrett)....Pages 161-189 The Role of Stakeholders in Internationalization in Spain (Beverly Barrett)....Pages 191-210 Lessons for the Future of the Bologna Process and the Internationalization of Higher Education (Beverly Barrett)....Pages 211-242 Back Matter ....Pages 243-324