This article explores what is meant by "a balanced higher education system". It argues that the Clarkian "triangle of coordination" (Clark, 1983) and the more recent model of Martinez and Richardson (2003) should be replaced by one that distinguishes between "self" and "collective" interests in both the academy and the wider society. Such a scheme…

Does the present level of public unhappiness with the conduct of governance offer an opportunity to revisit the quality of public policy making and the pernicious role of ideology? In this article I argue that there are some strong parallels between academic enquiry and public policy making, and that a better understanding of the former could lead…

In this article the author, until recently Vice-Chancellor of Southampton Solent University, draws on his long experience of higher education policymaking to suggest how policies for higher education can be improved. His recommendations cover the structure of policymaking, with a reduced role for the Funding Councils and a more effective role for…

Considers the implications of the British Government's recent strategy paper on higher education. Concludes that the government faced many difficult issues and could not achieve all the desired objectives. It is likely that British higher education will remain underfunded, with increasing problems of quality. (SLD)

Looks at the United Kingdom's recent Funding Council-led attempts to streamline external accountability in higher education, then uses this as a platform for determining the criteria which an external accountability regime in higher education should meet. Outlines a new, streamlined system under the aegis of a new single accountability body…

Examines evidence that higher education institutions in the United Kingdom are not discharging their responsibility for program quality and standards, and suggests that unless institutions act on these findings, they may find themselves sharing responsibility increasingly with external agencies and authorities. Evidence comes mainly from recent…