The report on the future challenges facing Irish universities - detailed in today's editions - is a landmark document which should act as a catalyst for change.
The report on the future challenges facing Irish universities - detailed in today's editions - is a landmark document which should act as a catalyst for change. In his review of the Irish university sector, Professor Malcolm Skilbeck, the renowned world authority on education policy, presents a compelling case for radical change within the university sector. But he also presents a charter for policymakers, who can be slow to give the university sector the priority and the serious consideration it deserves.
The Skilbeck Report - The University Challenged: A Review of International Trends and Issues with Particular Reference to Ireland - was jointly commissioned by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities (CHIU). They deserve commendation for commissioning a report which is both thoughtful and provocative.
It is clear that Prof Skilbeck was impressed by the Irish universities. The educational standards achieved by Irish graduates compare well internationally despite the fact that the university sector has been "seriously underfunded" until recent years. The universities have shown a willingness to innovate and to co-operate. They have responded well to greatly increased research funding. Critically, they continue to be held in high esteem by the general public.
But there is little room for complacency. The Skilbeck Report highlights the challenges facing universities on all fronts with declining students numbers, increasing competition for State funds and an increasing demand by the public for greater accountability. There are other more global challenges. The increasing role of the private sector in teaching areas, which were the traditional preserve of universities, represents a serious threat. Prof Skilbeck warns that the impact of the new technologies and the plethora of information available on-line represents another potential difficulty. Universities, he warns, can take nothing for granted.
The report outlines how universities can adopt to allow them cope with the new realities. Skilbeck foresees a university sector in this State which is much more closely linked to industry and the wider community. He recommends much wider access to university for poorer and mature students. He wants to see work experience forming a routine part of all degree programmes. He wants the larger Irish universities competing in the global market for students and other services. He wants the others to develop regional and local networks.
It is a challenging vision but one which will be broadly welcomed by both the HEA and CHIU. But both can only achieve so much on their own. It would be good to hear the Minister for Education, Dr Woods, address the longer-term needs of the universities. Skilbeck has now passed the baton to the policymakers. Are they ready to pick it up?