Paradigm shift in higher education?

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to widen the discussion about the ongoing paradigm shift in global higher education.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses and gives examples on several major changes and potential future developments within higher education.FindingsSeveral major changes have taken place within higher education in a short time. Financial restraints leading to shorter accountability periods, mass education and research, as well as increased competition through e-enhanced globalization, have changed the field of higher education profoundly. It simultaneously faces requirements to produce a higher level of competence, shorten the implementation periods and to offer this to an increasing number of participants with fewer resources. Thus, it should be considered if the mission of higher education institutions has changed and what that mission should be.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is written from a culturally limited point of view (Finland/Nordic countries/Europe) and does not rely on empirical research findings.Social implicationsThe potential paradigm shift has major social implications globally. It may change the way we understand and operate higher education during the next few decades.Originality/valueA lot of the presented ideas have been discussed before in other articles. However, the potential implications as a whole have not yet been adequately discussed in scientific processes.