Public Policy and Universities: The Interplay of Knowledge and Power

The interactions between universities and the state are being reconfigured, and policy analysis can play a key role in explaining these dynamics. Four theoretical approaches - New-Institutionalism, Advocacy Coalition Framework, Narrative Policy Framework, and Policy Diffusion and Transfer - are used to inform the analysis, with examples drawn from a range of countries and areas of potential research. The element also features a section dedicated to each of the three main missions of the university followed by an analysis of the institution as a whole, revealing how universities remain subject to nation-state oversight as they continue to globalize in an uncertain world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The landscape of higher education is experiencing a remarkable transformation, with universities assuming an increasingly vital role in the global knowledge economy. Governments across the world recognize the immense value of universities and are actively reconfiguring their relationships with these institutions. This presents a compelling rationale for an element that delves into the evolving dynamics between universities and the state, while emphasizing the significance of policy analysis in understanding these changes.

To facilitate this analysis, the element draws upon four theoretical frameworks: New Institutionalism, the Advocacy Coalition Framework, the Narrative Policy Framework, and Policy Diffusion and Transfer. These frameworks provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between universities and the state, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the evolving dynamics.

Examples are drawn from a diverse range of countries and areas, showcasing the global nature of these transformations. Additionally, potential research areas informed by policy theory are identified, offering fertile ground for further exploration.

The element is structured in a way that encompasses the three primary missions of universities: teaching, research, and community engagement. Each section is followed by an in-depth analysis of the institution as a whole, shedding light on how universities navigate the complex terrain of globalization while still being subject to a multifaceted form of nation-state oversight.

In conclusion, higher education is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by the global knowledge economy and the evolving dynamics between universities and the state. Policy analysis plays a crucial role in understanding these changes, providing insights into the complex interplay between institutions and the broader societal context. By examining the role of policy in shaping the future of higher education, we can better prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Weight: 162g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108703666