Describes the sharp swing toward devolution at one South African University, followed by a sharper swing back toward centralization, discussing factors to consider, in terms of the national context of South Africa's higher education and the university's institutional dynamics, to explain these swings. The reasoning behind recommendations for this…

Evidence from Sweden's creation of Norrland University, which uses higher education for regional development, shows that allocation of higher education resources can be used to alter traditional patterns of centralization and that the activities of the outlying institution play as crucial a role as centrally formed policy. (Author/MSE)

Higher education quality control structures emerging in West European countries are examined, and the current trend toward definition of quality predominantly from one central power center is criticized. Methodological and substantive weaknesses in this system are discussed, and an approach taking into account other interests and perspectives is…

The trend in Australian university research policy is toward cost effectiveness and centralization, but this is likely to compromise established standards of excellence and diversity in basic research and lead to an overall reduction in the scale of research. Further study is needed before policy changes are implemented. (Author/MSE)

Though some individual institutions may face financial difficulties, the problems associated with lower growth rates are likely to be organizational and educational rather than economic. The tendency towards more centralization has dangers for the diversity that ensures the flexibility needed to cope with an uncertain future. (Editor/LBH)

In Australia, higher education policy changes are being initiated by a federal government without legislative control over state institutions. Although the federal government wishes to see a more diverse system and claims to be de-bureaucratizing the system, its policies encourage imitation of elite universities and appear to be centralizing…

Implications of British government policy decisions for cooperation with universities in developing countries are described. Governmental methods of organizing technical assistance are seen as expensive in terms of cost and staff time and unsuited to institution-to-institution collaboration, which is essential if aid programs are to be effective.…

Sweden's newly deregulated university system, characterized by increased privatization and performance-based funding, is compared with a model of "responsive regulation" characterized by a cooperative regulatory relationship. Developments and actions during the first few years of reform are also analyzed in this context. Suggestions for…

Two central features of Australian universities are a strong research base and structural organization reflecting a close relationship between teaching and research. Current policy deliberations have produced research policy recommendations for increased centralization, coordination, selectivity, and concentration of research and funding that are…

Israel's Planning and Grants Committee (PGC), intended to mediate between government and higher education in financial matters, was designed to guarantee academic freedom while improving accountability. The committee is composed largely of academics. Increasing PGC involvement in higher education planning and regulation is restricting…