Best Of: Massification and the Global Knowledge Economy

Thinking Outside the Sandbox

The bulk of growth in higher education today is happening globally as demand picks up for massified educational systems designed to boost economic growth and competitiveness. Nonetheless, “global higher education” is a complex phenomenon. Many institutions—and institution types—make up this diverse landscape, which consists of “world-class” research institutions, teaching focusedinstitutions, vocational schools, and online for-profits. In this episode of Thinking Outside the Sandbox, deputy director of research Brian Fleming explores the megatrends of globalization, massification of higher education, and the global knowledge economy with Dr. Phillip Altbach, professor and founding director of the Boston College Center for International Higher Education. Dr. Altbach also discusses findings from his most recent book, Global Perspectives on Higher Education, and his view of the future of the teaching university. Sandbox is pleased to present this episode as part of our ongoing coverage of megatrends and the future of higher education.