The OECD Thematic Review of Tertiary Education

1. The OECD Thematic Review of Tertiary Education Presentation by Ester Basri, Directorate for Education, OECD Day 1: 16.15 room B202

2. OECD policy directions Knowledge diffusion: Improve knowledge diffusion rather than focusing on commercialisation Role of TEIs is to create and diffuse knowledge but commercialisation requires secrecy Results of success are skewed Innovation requires access to knowledge Widen channels of interaction Improve linkages, particularly with SMEs Foster mobility Inter-sectoral mobility between TEIs, firms and public research institutions International mobility (but this is not a substitute for domestic supply)

3. Developing human resources: Improve research career prospects Career opportunities limited: job insecurity, salaries, work dissatisfaction etc Improve data on human resources Demand for the highly skilled increasing Mismatches unknown Innovation requires a variety of skills Vocational training Non-technological innovation Traditional research careers changing OECD policy directions

4.  Building capabilities: Maintain adequate research infrastructure Basic resources Large scientific facilities may require collaboration Use TEIs to foster the internationalisation of R&D Success in the global economy largely depends on national capabilities Measures to improve research capabilities will increase attractiveness for R&D investment

5.  Enhancing the system (1): Improve methods for priority selection Lack of systematic approach Tends to focus on high-technology rather than national technological specialisation Need to consider emerging areas, social sciences and humanities Broaden assessment criteria and monitor impacts Some performance measures have had unintended impacts on research quality Shift towards more project-based funding may also have unintended impacts Broad range of performance indicators required

6.  Enhancing the system (2): Ensure policy considers long-term perspective Knowledge production often involves long time-lags between discovery and application. Evaluate and co-ordinate policies across the whole system TEIs integral part of the research and innovation system Policies need to be coherent and evaluated as part of the wider system

7. Possible questions for discussion What are the major challenges that countries face in enhancing the contribution of tertiary education in research and innovation, and what are the key concerns of the workshop participants in relation to research and innovation in TEIs? Which policy initiatives do participants find particularly effective in responding to the challenges of tertiary education�s contribution to research and innovation? What are the major priorities for further action at national and international levels?