A Network for Comparative Studies of Mergers in Nordic Higher Education

The primary aim of the network is to increase knowledge on mergers in higher education (HE) in the Nordic countries. This is to be accomplished through taking stock of the existing knowledge, and by identifying new research issues and questions for future research. The researchers involved in the network have, in recent years, conducted a large number of studies within the broader field of HE, including but not limited to merger processes, and have, as a result, identified an urgent need to make comparative analysis (of mergers) across the Nordic countries. Given the change dynamics of Nordic HE (below), and the pressing needs by policy makers and institutional managers alike for in-depth knowledge on processes of change and transformation in HE, the expected research outcomes of collaborative efforts (via this network) are well aligned with external stakeholders’ demands. The Nordic higher education landscape is going through a profound transformation. This process is, partly, a result of substantial changes in society such as declining birth rates, an ageing population, and the rise of a global knowledge economy, in addition to broad policy efforts aimed at the modernization of the public sector and, consequently, the future sustainability of the welfare state. Nordic higher education institutions are increasingly expected to respond more efficiently to the needs of surrounding society. Amongst other aspects, this implies taking on board a new set of functions, like economic development/innovation, and exercising their activities in a more efficient and socially accountable manner. Fiercer competition for students, staff and funding is leading HE institutions to search for the benefits associated with economies of scale.
The project financed by Riksbakens jubileumsfond, co-ordinated by Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (Geschwind).