The third stream as a new model of generating revenue for higher education institutions in Poland

Abstract

Purpose: The article deals with the issue of sources and changes in the structure of financing for higher education institutions (HEIs) in Poland. Design/Methodology/Approach: Revenues gained by HEIs outside the public support system and fees paid by students are referred to as the so-called third stream. As a result of global changes occurring in higher education systems, these revenues are increasingly important for the functioning of these organizations. The article, based on official statistical data, analyses the structure of revenues for the years 1995–2017 of the HEIs in Poland from operating activities, the dynamics of changes in revenues from research activities, revenues from sales of other works as well as research and development services, and revenues from separate economic activities. Findings: The analysis shows that the change in orientation of Polish HEIs towards activation of relations with the social and economic environment is clearly reflected in the changing structure and dynamics of revenues.