Abstract This thematic issue introduces the multifaceted nature of contemporary public policy – its multi-level, multi-actor and multi-issue features using case higher education policies from around world. To do so, this introduction first describes how as a sector should be garnering far more attention scholars interested in political, economic social transformation. A framework for identifying accounting ‘multi-s’ characteristics configure re-configure is then introduced. Next, issue’s...

The study provides an insight into student perspectives on quality in higher education, using Harvey and Green conceptualizations as the point of departure, exploring linkages between views quality, developments Bologna Process related national reforms, well students' motivation for expectations from education. Using data collected a survey population several European countries, shows that students have multifaceted perception very homogenous with regards to 'quality transformation/added...

Apart from teaching, research and service to society, since 2015 higher education systems institutions in Europe have faced an additional expectation – respond the largely unexpected yet nevertheless growing demand for by refugees. This study explores system organizational level responses such environmental pressures Germany Flanders, both affluent systems, but different terms of size, attractiveness as destination extent which their languages are widely spoken. Relying primarily on document...

Several university alliances have been established in Europe an attempt to influence the development of policies research and education. As such, these can be seen as being new players increasingly complex multi-actor, multi-level governance this policy domain. The paper compares two key Europe; particular, how membership differences are related their positions arena, agendas formation lobbying practices. study contributes understanding of, first, role European level processes concerning...

This special issue is one of the first systematic attempts to map and investigate relevant transnational actors in European knowledge governance, highlighting differences commonalities their structures, identities, roles, as well links which they are embedded, influence can exert policy formation. The introduction sets stage for five empirical contributions focusing on different types – an expert group, two university alliances, three student unions, academic associations, advocacy coalition...

Abstract The study focuses on multi-level and multi-actor characteristics of European governance, concentrating six stakeholder organizations in the area higher education (HE) research. It analyses how policy positions change over time such changes can be accounted for, juxtaposing (1) environmental influence linked to structuration HE arena as an organizational field (2) internal dynamic. Policy are seen comprise three elements – issues, preferences normative basis. Theoretically, is...

Numerous studies focused on the linkages between Bologna Process and system – as well organizational-level changes implying significance of process for higher education policy dynamics. However, what has been lacking is a closer examination political importance different actors involved whether this varies over time, space types actors. The present study investigates in size rank delegations national governments European stakeholder organizations to ministerial conferences order assess...

The study suggests that institutionalisation of a comprehensive and systematic approach to internal quality assurance higher education institutions inspired by the Bologna Process has regulative, normative cultural-cognitive dimensions. It includes development structures procedures for assurance, as well boosting socio-political cognitive legitimacy new approaches extent which are taken-for-granted. Institutionalisation is primarily pushed forward administrative junior academic staff. They...

The study conceptualizes three distinct functions European initiatives have in national policy changes: providing a model (Europeanization), communication platform (policy transfer) or legitimizing label (enabling opportunism of domestic entrepreneurs). Building on the example higher education changes four countries – Belgium/Flanders, Croatia, Netherlands and Serbia ‒ demonstrates that Europeanization, which is role can potentially lead to convergence, actually not most prominent one. In...

Abstract While the European Parliament is increasingly involved in EU governance, its role policy developments domains of strategic importance for has not been focus many studies. In this article, we analyse a new digital dataset containing more than 10,000 speeches delivered plenary between 1999 and 2014 identify patterns related to temporal increase or decrease Parliament's on higher education, topics linked education discussions concerning country party group affiliation members who speak...