This study investigates technical efficiency and productivity for Swedish higher education institutions (HEIs). One identified problem in previous research concerns adjusting efficiency scores for input quality. This problem is avoided using grades from upper-secondary schools. A second problem concerns heterogeneity with respect to subjects and…

In many countries, current research policy is dominated by managerialism and excellence, manifesting the aim of making universities into national strategic assets in the globally competitive knowledge economy. This article discusses these policy trends and their mirror in recent developments in public funding for academic research, with special…

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) has become a policy priority in many countries. A growing body of research recognises that it provides a wide range of benefits, including social and economic benefits, better child well-being and learning outcomes as a foundation for lifelong learning, more equitable outcomes and reduction of poverty, and…

Efforts in Sweden to increase contacts between the university and the rest of society and to build better links between studies and research and the reality of professional life and actual work situations are described. Higher Education Act, teacher development, Lund University experiment, and government experiment with researchers are discussed.…

Major reforms in Swedish higher education contained a number of distinct ideas whose status among Swedish academics are evaluated in a national survey. These ideas comprise an emphasis on: integration, increased geographical distribution, egalitarian values, teaching and undergraduate training, and interdisciplinary, relevant, and applied…