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Small states share a number of challenges and opportunities, and the domain of tertiary education is no exception. In such states, the limited pool of highly qualified human resources and the difficulties in achieving economies of scale in administration and management constrain the organization of a diversified tertiary education sector. In many small states, the tertiary education sector has undergone considerable change and reform through rapidly growing enrolments and diversification of the institutional fabric, including through technology-based and networked models, in which several higher education institutions work together to offer tertiary education at a distance.
Research to support tertiary education policies
In 2009, IIEP undertook research on recent changes and reform experiences in the tertiary education systems of small states in order to gain insights on policy options for planners and policy-makers. On 2–3 June 2009, the Institute organized a Policy Forum to share the findings from its research with policy-makers and enlarge the information base on the topic.
Drawing on this experience, the Institute prepared three policy briefs (see "Resources") on options relating to:
- quality assurance systems (prepared by IIEP staff member Michaela Martin),
- financing of tertiary education (by Bhoendradatt Tewarie, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of the West Indies), and
- technology-based solutions for tertiary education (by Rajesh Chandra, Vice Chancellor, University of the South Pacific).
These policy briefs were then discussed during a six-week online debate (from 18 October to 26 November 2010) with some 70 policy-makers from small developing states.
A full-length IIEP book on Tertiary education in small states: Planning in the context of globalization will be published soon.
