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Key processes shaping the current role and operation of higher education institutions in society

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  • Piróg Danuta

    (Institute of Geography, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych Str. 2; 30-084 Kraków Poland)

Abstract

The concurrent processes of globalisation, computerisation, and integration shape and constantly modify developmental factors and generate multidirectional social changes. Among social life fields, one of them has been particularly sensitive to the impact of those processes and has remained in clear feedback relationship with them is education, including university-level education. This article aims to present some reflections on the key processes which influence the environment of higher education institutions’ activity and on what their impact specifically is. The factors taken into account include: the transformation of the political and economic system, integration with the European higher education area, the market shift of education, evolving social demands towards higher education institutions and society’s attitude towards work. As knowledge has become an asset largely affecting the quality of life of people and society, universities have changed their focus from searching for and exploring truth, good and beauty in the world towards becoming innovation centres, transferring knowledge as offering their educational services. In this article, those trends have been exemplified in relation to geography degree programmes, and shown through an evolution of the model of the university. Based on a review of the literature, it seems that the processes discussed also concern geography degree programmes, and the future operation of these programmes closely depends on whether they can maintain their care for high quality education coupled with genuine efforts to ensure the smooth transition of graduates into the labour market.

Suggested Citation

  • Piróg Danuta, 2016. "Key processes shaping the current role and operation of higher education institutions in society," Environmental & Socio-economic Studies, Sciendo, vol. 4(1), pages 53-59, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:enviro:v:4:y:2016:i:1:p:53-59:n:5
    DOI: 10.1515/environ-2016-0005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Malcolm Abbott & Chris Doucouliagos, 2009. "Competition and efficiency: overseas students and technical efficiency in Australian and New Zealand universities," Education Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(1), pages 31-57.
    2. Tracz Mariola & Hibszer Adam, 2013. "Geography studies in Poland after 1989 — selected issues," Miscellanea Geographica. Regional Studies on Development, Sciendo, vol. 17(3), pages 19-25, September.
    3. Romero, Laura & Rey, Elena del, 2004. "Competition between public and private universities: quality, prices and exams," UC3M Working papers. Economics we046423, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Departamento de Economía.
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