The world-class university across higher education systems: Similarities, differences, and challenges

Abstract

This chapter discusses similarities and differences of WCU initiatives across nine case studies. These countries selected a small number of universities to build world-class universities, reformed governance structures to allow better flexibility of their universities, internationalized their teaching and research, and upgraded their faculty evaluation systems. These activities were complemented by technical dimensions such as protocols for funding and the use of bibliometric indicators. Despite the similarities, the strategies and policy initiatives in each country differ due to the development of their higher education system and their socioeconomic and educational context. Finally, this chapter will also discuss some challenges with which the world-class university is confronted.