From Policy to Practice: Evaluating the One-Year Outcomes of Moldova's Higher Education Reforms

Abstract

The article critically evaluates the outcomes of the ambitious higher education reforms initiated in Moldova in 2022, with a focus on their impact on the national higher education system. Recognizing the pivotal role of higher education in economic growth and societal well-being, the reform aimed to elevate academic standards and align Moldova's higher education system with European norms. The evaluation employs a mixed-method approach, integrating a comprehensive review of government reports, policy documents, academic literature, and primary data from stakeholder interviews. This methodological framework enables an in-depth examination of the reform's key components, objectives, and its impact on the structure, content, and quality of higher education and research in Moldova. Although the reform has streamlined academic processes and achieved partial alignment with European standards, significant challenges persist, including declining student numbers, demographic shifts, migration, and an aging academic workforce. The analysis reveals that despite some positive gains, the reform falls short in addressing broader systemic issues, such as declining enrollments and the aging faculty dilemma. The outcomes of Moldova's higher education reform underscore the necessity for continuous monitoring and dynamic adjustment. The study proposes two main avenues for ongoing change: the development of highly specialized universities or the further consolidation of the higher education system into a single public university in Moldova. These suggestions aim to address the identified challenges, ensuring the reform's long-term success and sustainability.