The recent history of the Israeli educational system, particularly its trend toward decentralization, is used to test some common assumptions about the need for centralization to achieve control in times of fiscal constraint, need for improvement, and non-implementation of central policies. (MSE)

Portugal's overall modernization strategy for becoming integrated into the European Community is outlined, the structure and constraints of its higher education system are described, and the role envisioned for higher education in the modernization process is discussed. (MSE)

An analysis of the way Italy has responded to the changing demands that society places on higher education begins with the enrollment boom of the early 1960s and traces the public debate to the present. (MSE)

In Greece, universities do not have great autonomy. Areas of responsibility and authority of the state and the institutions are not clearly defined. Universities are always under the political supervision of the ministries of education. (MSE)

Aspects of Greek universities discussed include: current supply and demand for higher education, locus of decision-making under the new university organization, public finance, the state of academic and financial independence, and current issues of debate, including graduate study, research, and the recognition of private universities by the…

The history of women's participation in French higher education, patterns of educational choices and qualifications, and effects on qualified women's entry into employment are examined. It is concluded that while women have better training for higher-level jobs, they also face greater competition with other women and some discrimination. (MSE)

A review of trends in European higher education policy leads to these conclusions: (1) government response to economic crises has been either to strengthen expenditure-driven policies or to continue demand-based policies; (2) central government oversight has been strengthened; and (3) commitment to linking education and industry has become clear.…

Concerns of a researcher in a Belgian university regarding the trend toward policy implementation dominated by short- and medium-term budgetary considerations are outlined. The university system's heterogeneous, compartmentalized nature and potential are noted, along with the relationship to the government and the real danger of break-up of the…

The recent Savary Law is regressive and political in a time when the French university system is already overburdened by economic crisis, declining enrollments, recent government mandates favoring research over higher education, poor manpower and curriculum planning, and inappropriate facilities. (MSE)

Ireland's higher education system has recently experienced significant growth and organizational change, accompanied by decreased institutional autonomy. However, a trend favoring investment in technological education has prompted concern among traditional institutions, which may persist as long as two authorities rather than one control the…

The Italian university system is currently characterized by lack of institutional diversity, enrollment contraction, an increasing dropout rate and part-time student population, tenured-in faculty at all levels, and declining faculty productivity. Although both students and faculty recognize these problems, neither is moving to solve them. (MSE)

Recent Swedish reforms in higher education have as objectives increased access to education, diversification, and democratic organization, but they are also threatening an overemphasis on science and technology and a loss of the varied traditions of knowledge. A reassessment of admission policies, institutional organization, faculty…

Scientific and technological research in Spain has been hindered more by lack of organization than by lack of funds. The 1983 Universty Reform Act to restructure the curriculum and improve research quality represents a major step in bringing Spanish research up to the levels of other modern university systems and to promote economic development.…

In British higher education, the period since 1979 has been characterized by severe external pressure, loss of political support, reduced budgets, and a demographically-driven enrollment decline. Underneath the public discussion of these issues are emerging new structures and ideas for change, accelerating a long-dormant reform process. (MSE)

Projected changes in the West German higher education system such as more competition, differentiation and efficiency, and especially the introduction of institutional autonomy are the most ambitious in recent history and will demand the cooperation of federal and local government, educational authorities, institutions, academic and research…