A Critical View on the Transformational Effects of New Business Models in Higher Education: A Comparison of Germany and Russia

Abstract

Higher education is currently being shaped by the drivers of change – including global expansion, advances in ICT, restricted public funding, diversity of higher education providers and so on. Information available in the public domain suggests that a more commercial approach is needed in higher education in order to compete successfully in the global knowledge economy. The financial rationale for higher education dominates current debate, some would argue at the expense of its intellectual, cultural and broader social value. New business models in international higher education reflect the dramatic changes taking place as higher education institutions (HEIs) shift away from being independent think-tanks financed by the state towards becoming entrepreneurial ‘knowledge generators’ with gradually increasing self-financed activities. This enquiry uses a stakeholder approach to review and discuss the current state of higher education. It sets out to further our understanding of the current vision, mission and functions, and to investigate future options.