Reviews of Higher Education Institutions in Regional Development 2008-10

Higher education institutions (HEIs) make a significant contribution to economic, social and cultural development in their cities and regions. In 2004-2007, IMHE, in collaboration with the OECD Public Governance and Territorial Development Directorate, conducted a comparative review of regional engagement of higher education institutions in 14 regions across 12 countries. 

Read more about the first round of reviews

 

The second round of reviews will take the reviews to new geographical areas in OECD countries as well as non-member countries. The work will provide a stronger evidence base and will benefit from collaboration with partners such as the World Bank and OECD Directorate for Territorial Development and Public Governance (GOV).

 

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Objectives

 

The purpose is to provide HEIs, regional and national authorities, and policy makers with information and analysis to assist them in formulating and implementing policies to mobilise higher education for social, economic and cultural development.

 

The reviews aim:

  • To extend the knowledge base of higher education in economic, social and cultural development at regional level
  • To develop and reinforce partnerships between HEIs and business and industry and other social partners
  • To assist HEIs to articulate their mission, develop their management, evaluate their contribution and contribute to their viability
  • To develop reliable indicators and system-level and individual incentives for regional engagement

 

Key questions

  • What policies, practices and mechanisms promote mobilisation of higher education for regional and city development?
  • How to make reforms happen?
  • Which brings greater benefits to cities and regions:
    a high performing regionally focused HE system or a single world class university?

 

Outputs of the review

The reviews will produce a range of outputs that will be disseminated via print and electronic means, workshops and seminars:

  • Regional self-evaluation reports prepared by the regions and their HEIs
  • Peer review reports of all regions prepared by international experts
  • Commissioned papers
  • International comparative analysis on specific issues

 

Participating regions

 

OECD is now in the process of selecting regions to participate in the second round reviews for 2008-2010. The following regions have agreed to participate in the review: City of Amsterdam (Netherlands), Andalucia (Spain), City of Berlin (Germany), Bío Bío Region (Chile), the Galilee (Israel), the State of Paraná (Brazil), the Paso del Norte Region (US-Mexico), City-Region of Rotterdam (Netherlands), Southern Arizona (US), and Veracruz (Mexico). Negotiations are continuing with a number of other regions. The final number of participating regions is expected to be between 10 and 15.

read more

 

Guidelines for participating regions and their HEIs

Next steps and major developments

 

Further reading and useful links

 

Contact

Jaana.Puukka[at]oecd.org (+33 1 45 24 16 61) Project Manager

Richard.Yelland[at]oecd.org (+33 1 45 24 92 60) Head of Division

Christine.Merk[at]oecd.org (+33 1 45 24 79 94) Consultant

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Focus

This publication explores a range of helpful policy measures and institutional reforms.

Higher Education and Regions: Globally Competitive, Locally Engaged
Directorate for Education Publications