What Role for Higher Education in Development?

Contents

SciDev.Net's Director, David Dickson—in an editorial—introduces a Special Feature (What Role for Higher Education in Development) that focuses attention to the notion that:

After years of neglect during the 1980s and 1990s, higher education is now back on the agenda of major governments and donors. But how can it be most effectively supported?

[Dickson's] spotlight examines higher education's role in achieving development goals with a series of articles and commentaries written by experts, including former director of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) Berit Olsson, that:

• sets the context of the debate;

• examines the role aid agencies play in the process;

• outlines the opportunities and hurdles facing policymakers on the ground;

• and highlights case studies to show how external support can generate tangible results.

Q: After inspecting the Special Feature, do you agree with this assessment's coverage of the successes, challenges and lessons to be learnt for the role of higher education in the complex issue area of development?