The higher education systems and financing mechanisms in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland are described. In each, enrollment and productivity, in terms of student flow, are important financing factors. A new budget model developed for Norway is outlined, and efforts to create a cooperative community for higher education in the Nordic countries…

Change in the financing of Danish higher education is traced, from item budgeting by the education ministry to a system of institutional block grants. While institutions gain autonomy in academic and resource allocation, they are required to abolish governing boards and place more responsibility on rectors and academic deans. This requires new…