Recent tendencies that are likely to endanger free and creative research in Austria are discussed. It is suggested that the danger to free, autonomous research may stem from negligence of the state to provide an adequate organizational framework for research. (Author/SF)

Organizational aspects and implementation of Switzerland's national research program that promote goal-oriented research in the service of the general public are described. The Federal Council of Switzerland decides on the topics to be researched and the National Fund is responsible for carrying out the programs. (Author/SF)

The role of industry in the planning and management of research is discussed. It is suggested that university research should be ahead of industry and industry should not try to influence academic programs in the basic sciences. (Author/SF)

Two questions are considered: "How do results of university research find their way into societal improvements?" and "What might enhance the flow and use of results of university research?" Perspectives of government sponsorship, institutional management, and institutional conservation are considered, as well as findings from studies of…

The transfer of technology from universities to industry is discussed. Increasingly universities are being considered as elements in industrial development. How universities should fulfill this role and forms of transfer mechanisms are examined, including university administrations, and nonprofit or commercial interface organizations. (Author/SF)

The management of higher education institutions is discussed in light of the exponential expansion of universities during the last century. It is suggested that universities embrace social relevance as a major goal. The proper social relevance of universities and its effects on their objectives and methods of management are discussed. (Author/SF)

Autonomy in Swedish universities is investigated. A new approach to the analysis of the concept of university autonomy and an outline of a theory on university autonomy are presented. Autonomy is viewed as a vital characteristic of higher education; its role in Swedish education throughout history is analyzed. (Author/SF)

The concept of collective autonomy is discussed as it refers to cooperation between universities. The need for a collective autonomy of universities, the aims and limits of such a concept, and means and opportunities for creating and fostering it are examined. (Author/SF)

The reorganization of the German universities between the end of the 1960s and the early 1970s into "Group Universities" is discussed. It is suggested that this new organizational system, modeled along the lines of a corporate state, has destroyed the communication system of the university and introduced discontinuity into the academic…

Difficulties encountered by policy makers as they seek to preserve and increase efficiency in university management are discussed, using the system of higher education in West Germany as a frame of reference. Topics include the training, research, and service functions of the university, educational finance, and the state-university relationship.…

Transitions in the social and economic circumstances of Western postsecondary education are: changing numbers of students and jobs; the shift from elite values to educational goals that promote equality; the growing significance of the school government relationship; and stability rather than expansion. (JMD)

Austerity management of universities over a ten-year period is examined. Some theoretical solutions likely to curb the escalation of higher education costs or to contribute to some leveling-off are discussed, and it is suggested that the need for lengthy research will postpone any real innovation in management until the 1990s. (Author/JMD)

Questions and issues related to the assessment of performance in institutions of higher education and the development of performance indicators are addressed. Topics include: institutional objectives, planning and control systems, non-profit performance evaluation techniques, multi-dimensional analysis, and performance indicators. (JMD)

Issues suggested by John Sizer's paper, an overview of the assessment of institutional performance, include: the efficient-frontier approach, multiple-criterion decision-making models, performance analysis approached as path analysis, and assessment of academic quality. (JMD)

The process of institutional performance assessment in higher education carries with it potential liabilities and warrants careful consideration. The political, methodological, economic, and philosophical cautions to be considered are described and procedures for effectively dealing with these issues are suggested. (Author/JMD)