The "National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030" in the Republic of Ireland (universally known as the Hunt Report) represents the latest and most assertive attempt by the Irish state to re-construct higher education in accordance with economic utilitarian objectives. This paper sets out to analyse the historical context, key themes and theoretical underpinnings of the report, locating it within a European and international context shaped by a dominant "knowledge based economy" paradigm. This study draws upon broad narratives of public service reform to offer an initial theoretical insight into contemporary higher education policies in Ireland. The report reflects long-term trends in Irish higher education policy, which promote a reorientation of higher education to serve economic objectives. We argue that the Hunt Report is much more a synthesis of existing policies and previous expert group reports than a manifesto for radical transformation of Irish higher education.