Cross-Regional Educational Governance: Lessons from Higher Education Reform in Asia and Europe

Louis De Smet

doi:10.66325/nusantaraeducation.v3i2.239

Authors

Louis De Smet Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66325/nusantaraeducation.v3i2.239

Keywords:

Comparative governance; Cross-regional policy; Educational reform; Higher education governance; Institutional transformation.

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of cross-regional educational governance by analyzing higher education reform in selected countries in Asia and Europe. The research aims to identify how governance models, policy frameworks, and institutional reforms shape the transformation of higher education systems across different regional contexts, and to explore the transferable lessons that can inform global higher education governance. Using a qualitative comparative research design, this study employs a systematic literature review and policy analysis of major higher education reforms implemented in both regions. Data were collected from academic publications, policy documents, and international reports published by global education organizations, and analyzed through thematic and comparative approaches to identify patterns of governance reform. The findings reveal three key patterns. First, European higher education reforms are strongly influenced by regional policy coordination and supranational frameworks that promote standardization, mobility, and quality assurance across national systems. Second, Asian higher education reforms tend to emphasize state-driven modernization, institutional autonomy within centralized policy frameworks, and strategic internationalization to enhance global competitiveness. Third, despite differences in political and institutional contexts, both regions demonstrate a growing convergence toward governance models that prioritize accountability, quality assurance mechanisms, global collaboration, and innovation-driven academic ecosystems. This study contributes to the literature on global higher education governance by providing a cross-regional comparative framework that highlights the interaction between regional policy coordination, national governance structures, and institutional reform strategies. The research also offers policy-relevant insights for emerging higher education systems seeking to balance global competitiveness with local governance realities. By synthesizing lessons from Asia and Europe, the study advances a more nuanced understanding of how multi-level governance structures influence the transformation and sustainability of higher education systems in the contemporary global knowledge economy.

References

Altbach, P. G. (2015). What counts for academic productivity in research universities?

Altbach, P. G., & Salmi, J. (2011). The road to academic excellence: The making of world-class research universities. Higher Education.

Amaral, A., & Magalhães, A. (2007). Market competition, public good, and institutional governance. Higher Education Management and Policy, 19(1), 35–51.

Cantwell, B., & Kauppinen, I. (2014). Academic capitalism in the age of globalization. Higher Education, 67(3), 329–335.

De Boer, H., Enders, J., & Schimank, U. (2007). On the way towards new public management? The governance of university systems in England, the Netherlands, Austria, and Germany. Higher Education, 56(6), 689–706.

Enders, J., & de Boer, H. (2009). The changing face of academic governance and leadership. Higher Education, 58(3), 323–337.

Huisman, J. (2009). International perspectives on the governance of higher education. Higher Education Policy, 22(3), 239–262.

Kwiek, M. (2015). The unfading power of collegiality? University governance in Poland. International Journal of Educational Development, 43, 77–89.

Marginson, S. (2016). The worldwide trend to high participation higher education. Higher Education, 72(4), 413–434.

Marginson, S., & van der Wende, M. (2007). Globalisation and higher education. OECD Education Working Papers.

Mok, K. H., & Jiang, J. (2017). Questing for world-class universities in Asia. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 39(3), 225–240.

Mok, K. H., & Jiang, J. (2017). Questing for world-class universities in Asia: Critical reflections. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 39(3), 225–240.

Mok, K. H., & Jiang, J. (2018). Massification of higher education and challenges for graduate employment and social mobility. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 40(3), 199–214.

Salmi, J. (2009). The challenge of establishing world-class universities. Higher Education Policy, 22(1), 1–7.

Shattock, M. (2014). International trends in university governance: Autonomy, self-government and the distribution of authority. Higher Education Quarterly, 68(4), 395–416.

Shin, J. C., & Kehm, B. M. (2013). Institutionalization of world-class university policies in Asia. Higher Education Policy, 26(3), 259–281.

Välimaa, J., & Hoffman, D. (2008). Knowledge society discourse and higher education. Higher Education, 56(3), 265–285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-008-9123-y

Witte, J. (2006). Change of degrees and degrees of change: Comparing adaptations of European higher education systems in the context of the Bologna Process. Higher Education, 52(4), 583–606.

Witte, J. (2006). Change of degrees and degrees of change: Comparing adaptations of European higher education systems in the context of the Bologna Process. Enschede: CHEPS.

Yang, R. (2015). Uneven development of higher education in China: An analysis of massification. Higher Education, 70(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-014-9824-3

Zha, Q. (2011). Is there an emerging Chinese model of the university? Experiences and perspectives of Chinese university presidents. Higher Education Policy, 24(1), 69–89. https://doi.org/10.1057/hep.2010.19