A key concern in international educational policy during the 21st century has been the impact of teacher professionalism on outcomes of schooling. Sweden makes for an interesting case because of the country's initiatives to improve the quality of education through an academization of the teachers. The aim of this study is to analyse how Swedish…

When Sweden began to experience a steady decline in student achievement results in PISA and TIMMS, the Swedish National Agency of Education initiated a model of collaboration with Swedish universities aimed at providing support to schools with falling student achievement scores. In this article, we examine how such projects can work at the local…

This report presents data on peer-reviewed S&E journals and conference proceedings reflecting the rapidly expanding volume of research activity, the involvement and scientific capabilities different countries, and the expanding research ecosystem demonstrated through international collaborations. Publication output grew about 4% annually over…

A researcher's number of publications has been a fundamental merit in the competition for academic positions since the late 18th century. Today, the simple counting of publications has been supplemented with a whole range of bibliometric indicators, which supposedly not only measures the volume of research but also its impact. In this study, we…

The teaching-research nexus has been studied by many researchers, mainly looking at pedagogic links and direct benefits arising from the interaction of both activities. The paper takes a comparative approach, looking at the relationship between teaching and research in four universities from two different countries. This paper argues that…

Articles in this special issue discuss the utilization of social research by governmental commissions. How social science knowledge influences their decision making is examined. (RM)

Studies on the relationship between research and development (R&D) and public policymaking processes are reviewed. Attention is directed to R&D utilization in Sweden and other countries. The publications are grouped into four categories: policymaking and knowledge utilization, research policy, higher education policy, and knowledge…

This document assesses the specific character of the research systems in the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Belgium in light of their institutional mechanisms and the way they function. The five articles presented concern international dimensions - national traditions and research policies; university research in a teaching oriented…

A user-oriented study of how research results reached Swedish environmental health protection inspectors on the job determined that research dissemination was affected by a lack of standardized professional training; professional responsibility for a wide range of knowledge; employment on small staffs precluding specialization; development of…

This document provides an overview of the research program of the Swedish National Board of Education (NBE) since 1962. The following subjects are discussed: (1) budget; (2) duration of the various projects; (3) fields of research; (4) transmission of knowledge; (5) transition from management by command to management by objectives; (6) research in…

This School Research Newsletter presents the research program of the National Swedish Board of Education (NBE), as adopted by the NBE Board of Directors in June 1982. The successive decisions on decentralization taken in the educational sector since 1976 have led also to a decision to alter the thrust of the research and development work within at…

The author explains the role and financing of educational research and development (R&D) in Sweden, as it operates under the central education authority, the National Board of Education. She discusses a government report on R&D effects and considers the potential impact on research of current trends toward decentralization in education.…

Theoretical issues concerning research and policy-making and three empirical studies of the higher education sector in Sweden are discussed. A major concern is the utilization of social science research and development efforts by public policy makers. Additionally, the characteristics of the public policy-making processes that influence the scope…

This paper examines the steps taken in Sweden and Hungary to improve schools. A description is given of the social-political-economic context of each of these countries, noting their similarities and differences. Particular focus is upon the role played by educational research and development efforts in the two countries, and most particularly on…

Longitudinal educational research in Sweden is described, with emphasis on research used for educational planning and evaluation. Educational reforms have reflected the societal goal of improved welfare for the whole population. Research is generally supported by the National Board of Education and conducted by universities. To perform educational…