OECD calls for greater internationalisation

Governments should position their higher education systems in the global arena, develop a strategy and framework for internationalisation and encourage institutions to be more proactive internationally, says an OECD report published last week. Tertiary Education for the Knowledge Society offers this and other policy advice to countries striving to build tertiary education in ways that stimulate innovation, competitiveness and economic growth.

The new report has two volumes - the first focusing on governance, funding and quality and the second on equity, innovation, the labour market and internationalisation - and draws on a study of tertiary policy in 24 countries, the OECD Thematic Review of Tertiary Education.

On internationalisation strategy, the report points out that countries vary greatly in terms of their power, size, geographic location, dominant culture, tertiary education systems, the role of their language globally and their previous internationalisation strategies.

"Obviously, this strategy needs to adapt to country-specific circumstances, building upon natural advantages and acknowledging constraints, and there is no ideal internationalisation strategy other than maximising the benefits of internationalisation in the national context." (University World News)