Administration and governance of higher education in Asia : patterns and implications

Higher education in Asia is facing many unprecedented challenges. The race to restructure and reform higher education systems is accelerating among developing countries in the region.

Most countries have resorted to granting more institutional autonomy to higher education institutions (HEIs) with the hope that the increasing management flexibility will expedite the process of higher education development. Countries in the Asian region have reached different stages and have developed their own definitions of autonomy and reform measures, due to disparities in their political and social structures as well as the backgrounds of their higher education systems. Despite their differences, countries in Asia share one common element, viz., the higher education sector is a strategic lever for long-term and sustainable development.