Higher Education Reform In The Republic Of Moldova: Opportunities, Challenges, And Implications For Sustainable Development

Objective - In the global context of transformation with a focus on sustainable development, universities in the Republic of Moldova face significant macroeconomic challenges. They are prompted to adopt and adapt to various organizational strategies, akin to those in the corporate sector, such as mergers. Although there are numerous international examples of university mergers, managing these mergers within a suitable framework remains a relatively uncharted territory. The purpose of this paper is to examine higher education reform in light of sustainable development and to identify the main challenges and potential benefits. Design/Methodology/Approach - This work relies on the Government Decision related to the reform and on the statistical data of Moldovan universities. In approaching this synthesis, sustainable development principles have been integrated, alongside the new public management techniques and public value governance proposed by the Government of the Republic of Moldova. Findings - Potential long-term benefits of the reform, especially in the context of sustainable development, are highlighted. A model for periodic assessment is proposed to ensure ongoing adaptability and relevance. Limitations/Implications of the Research - Given that the reform is recent, there is a limitation regarding long-term available data. However, negative perceptions portrayed in the media emphasize the need for a thorough discussion highlighting the long-term positive potential and its connection with sustainable development. It's suggested to validate the proposed model for university mergers through future studies, employing qualitative research and mixed methods. Originality/Value - This study foregrounds the higher education reform in the context of sustainable development, offering an updated perspective on the long-term benefits it might bring to Moldovan society.