The research­-policy-practice nexus is a long­-standing issue in higher education research (HER). Although closer linkages and greater relevance have been repeatedly suggested to improve the impact of HER on policy and practice, sophisticated theorization with contextual sensitivity is underdeveloped to renew the discussion in the non­-western…

As universities in the North and South become increasingly dependent on donor patronage for research and sustainable development initiatives, systematic assessments of transnational-partnership-award decisions and outcomes are of rising interest in academic and policy circles. After presenting a conceptual framework that facilitates comparative…

Universities traverse epistemic, sectoral and geopolitical boundaries with increasing frequency, but along the way encounter challenges in mitigating unequal capacities, soaring costs and proprietary concerns. The bridging of disparate stakeholder interests requires an enormous effort, as research policies, institutional norms and organizational…

There is increasing attention to sub-national regions in science and technology (S&T) policy. This paper examines the recent evolution of provincial S&T policies in the Canadian provinces, focusing on how they link university research to regional technological development. Drawing on multiple sources of data and evidence, this study…

International partnership spanning various organizational and geographical boundaries has emerged as the dominant paradigm for organizing modern scientific research; and for undertaking international development policy. Academic collaboration has become ubiquitous, embedded in organizational cultures, and is increasingly organized in a wide…

Federal government science policy and R&D investment are two major factors for the success of research universities in the United States. This case analysis examines how the University of California at Berkeley shifted from a regional to a globally oriented research university by the influence of federal government science policy and R&D…

This article examines the challenges faced by a Portuguese technical university that is striving to develop its research base within a developing science, technology and higher education system. The paper identifies lack of resources, and also organizational factors, as particular challenges. These include faculty inbreeding, career structures and…

This paper analyses the fall in R&D outlays in Poland and its effect upon the number of researchers employed and on the occupation structure. The reason underlying these adverse changes in employment within sectors, by age and qualification, which have a negative impact on research and development in Poland stems from the lack of demand for…

How does the rhetoric of managerialism influence actors' perceptions about the ultimate goals of Portuguese higher education (HE)? From the data, based on interviews, three major themes were extracted: teaching/research relationship, HE's cultural and social relevance, and its economical relevance. The actors' narratives led to the conclusion that…

This paper investigates the relationship between staff research and teaching in doctoral education with a special reference to disciplinary variations. The relationship between staff research (the 2001 RAE scores) and the effectiveness of doctoral education as perceived by students is analysed. On the whole, little relationship between…

Reviews the status of national higher education evaluation systems and examines the lack of research into the process and nature of policy choice. Proposals are offered concerning methods to assist future policy choices and analysis of these systems. Identifies both positive achievements and controversial examples of national evaluation system…

This review suggests that research on the relationship between higher education and the world of work has been closely linked to changing themes of policy and practice. A diversity of research approaches is noted, as well as a common core of issues. Suggests that research in this area be based on anticipation of changes likely in the future, e.g.,…

Changing conditions of academic and scientific labour markets, blurring boundaries between public and private and between basic and applied research, and the growing European dimension to scientific careers challenge the conceptual thinking about the research training function of the university. The paper explores these changes and addresses their…

The old division of labour between fundamental and applied or problem-oriented research has almost disappeared, and with it, the functional distinctions between universities, public labs and industrial and other private research. Doctoral research training can then also become diversified in terms of its content and its location. Closer analysis…

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, a local university that has become a leading technological institution, will be instrumental in promoting and developing technology to achieve Malaysia's national objective of becoming a developed country by the year 2020. Efforts include development of technology curricula, research and development, cooperation with…