Running to stand still: higher education in a period of global economic crisis

This paper analyses the impact of the 2008 global economic crisis on higher education. An analysis of public policy responses to the crisis indicated that these varied among countries - some governments cut budgets, some increased them, while others maintained allocations at the same level. In most instances, institutions of higher education were restructured - employees retrenched, recruitment frozen, and student subsidies reduced. Despite these difficulties, and contrary to expectations, higher education enrolments expanded and cross-border student mobility increased during the crisis period. In analysing reasons for the expansion of student enrolment, this paper shows that higher education was relatively better protected during the current crisis period than in previous ones. This development, the paper argues, reflects the recognition of the contributions of higher education and research to economic growth and the consequent inclusion of higher education as part of recovery plans and stimulus packages.

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