Tertiary education in small states : planning in the context of globalization

Abstract

Small states have in common a number of challenges and opportunities. They face particular constraints in the organization of a diversified and cost-effective tertiary education offer because of their limited pool of highly qualified human resources and difficulties in achieving economies of scale in administration and management. However, more positively, in some regions of the world they benefit from the opportunities arising from longstanding regional collaboration and strong donor support. In many small states, the tertiary education sector has undergone considerable change and reform as a result of rapidly growing enrolments, a diversification of the institutional fabric, the use of technology-based and networked models, and the emergence of cross-border providers, including degree mills. While some small states have found effective solutions to increasing social demand, others are still looking for appropriate responses. Divided into four major parts, this book identifies recent trends in the environment of small states as well as emerging challenges which have a bearing on tertiary education systems. It presents varied country experiences, and synthesizes some policy options to respond to the challenges. The first part deals with concepts and goals, commencing with what may be called the small-states paradigm. The second part of the book presents selected regional and national experiences. Perspectives cover the Caribbean and the South Pacific, regions with strong concentrations of small states, and which are both served by regional universities. The University of the West Indies (UWI) serves 16 small states, while the University of the South Pacific (USP) serves 12 such states. Thus, between them they serve 28 states and a considerable share of all small states worldwide. The third part of the book focuses on specific themes through cross-national analysis. The last part of the book pulls threads together with comments on ways in which small states can seize opportunities and balance constraints. It maps small states on a matrix which considers population size and the degree of regional integration. Use of these two criteria shows that the policy challenges and responses of small states can vary considerably. Through this and other analysis, the chapter identifies lessons from comparative analysis. It remarks on various directions for development, with comments on the roles of international agencies as well as national governments and institutional actors.