A Comparative Study of the Vision and Goals of Higher Education in Selected Countries

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Associate professor of Institute for Research and Planning in Higher Education (IRPHE), Tehran, Iran

2 Ph.D. student of Economics and Finance Management of Higher Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The purpose of the present article is to compare the prospects & objectives of higher education in six countries (Netherl&s, France, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, & Saudi Arabia). In the present qualitative research, George Brady’s comparative strategy (description, interpretation, juxtaposition, & comparison) was utilized. The results of this section were summarized in the form of tabulation & diagramming. In the final stage, in line with the purpose of the research, the perspectives & goals of higher education in the studied countries were compared with each other, & then, the similarities & differences were identified & analyzed The findings showed among the common points of these countries, we can enumerate attention to internationalization, digitalization, deepening the role of universities in the knowledge-based economy, ingestion, & enhancement of academic research capacity, selecting & managing talents along with academic human capital programs. In terms of differences of these countries, the specific perspective of each country for higher education was investigated, which is mostly influenced by the policies, the way of governing, & the atmosphere of discourse within these countries. In terms of the common goals we can name linking the higher education system with the labor market, financial development of universities, creating & promoting competitive advantage between countries, conducting mission-oriented research in solving national & international problems, & continuously improving the quality of higher education with an especial emphasis on e-learning. In terms of differences, each country pursues different goals according to its local structure & conditions, which are discussed in this study. Finally, fifteen ideas for Iranian policymakers are presented.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Public Policy
Volume 7, Issue 4
2021
Pages 285-307

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