Abstract
This paper explores the correlation between the degree of competition between higher education institutions (HEIs) and the efficiency of regional higher education systems using evidence from the Russian Federation. The choice of the regional system of higher education as a unit of analysis is explained by the features of the Russian system of higher education, especially by “closeness” in the borders of regions. We propose a special approach for the evaluation of the regional higher education system efficiency from the public administration perspective. Using data envelopment analysis (DEA), we investigate the efficiency of higher education systems in the regions and compare the results with the extent of higher education competition within them. The results indicate that higher efficiency scores and higher competition between HEIs in Russian regions are positively correlated. Moreover, by introducing socio-economic context status as a grouping parameter, we are able to specify the conditions of this relationship. The study explores that correlation between efficiency and competition is stronger in developing and low-performing regions. At the same time, higher education systems in developed regions consist of different HEIs, which create a competitive environment, although their efficiency level varies considerably. Taking into account all limitations of the study, these results contain several important issues for policy-making and higher education research discussions. They challenge the universalistic assumptions for the direction of higher education development.
Highlights
Policymakers have objective limitations in order to provide efficiency enhancement in the public sector
Using data from the large and highly diversified national higher education system of Russia we present the differences in the efficiency of local higher education institutions (HEIs) coinciding with the regional market situation, and the rivalry of those HEIs
In order to contribute to the discussion on the role of competition in higher education, in the first section of the paper, we describe the importance of competition for higher education efficiency
Summary
Policymakers have objective limitations (politically, socially and economically) in order to provide efficiency enhancement in the public sector. For the post-massified era in higher education, it seems natural to seek a balance between providing generous access while assuring a level of quality which effectively contributes to social and economic development. Policy often seeks the optimal point between the “invisible hand of the market” and targeted public investment in social development, usually made by government. It means that issue of ‘competition management’ and practice of regulatory impact assessment on competition (RIA) becomes an important instrument of public administration
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
