Raising the Stakes: Gambling with the Future of Universities - Softcover

Coaldrake, Peter; Stedman, Lawrence

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0702249858 ISBN 13: 9780702249853

Publisher: University of Queensland Press, 2013

Synopsis

This important new book looks at the future of Australia’s universities in the light of many years of nationally driven reform efforts, and the persistence of a number of policy myths about what can and should happen next. Prosperity in the future depends on the ability to play our part in a more globalized, technologically enhanced knowledge economy. Universities are widely seen as portals to success, and an ever greater proportion of Australians expect to attend at least one of these widely respected institutions. However, despite strong demand, universities are under pressure: they face constant criticism about their relevance and responsiveness, are subject to regular government review and reform, and their budgets have been squeezed for decades. International rankings, global competition for students, and the rise of new providers have heightened the risks of falling behind. Many academics are unhappy with their lot, and students are paying more. While solutions for these problems have been put forward, few have been completely resolved. It is widely held that universities will have to change radically if Australia is to compete on the world stage. Peter Coaldrake and Lawrence Stedman argue that neither the market nor central government will be able to shape higher education in an optimal way. Facing greater competition and reduced prospects for public funding, universities themselves must provide the impetus and take responsibility for change as they adapt to complex and uncertain futures.

About this title

About the Author

Peter Coaldrake is the vice-chancellor of the Queensland University of Technology and was a member of the Higher Education Management Review (Hoare Committee). He is the author of Working the System: Government in Queensland. Lawrence Stedman is a principal policy adviser at Queensland University of Technology and has worked in the Commonwealth Department of Finance and the Department of Community Services and Health. They are the coauthors of On the Brink: Australian Universities Confronting Their Future.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Queensland Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0702249858
• ISBN 13: 9780702249853
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288