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V. Foreign Higher Education and Education Systems, International Relations, Bilateral Relations
B. Essays, Commentaries, Statements
Author ELKEN, Mari (HOVDHAUGEN, Elisabeth; STENSAKER, Bjorn)
Title Global rankings in the Nordic region : challenging the identity of research-intensive universities? / Mari Elken ; Elisabeth Hovdhaugen ; Bjorn Stensaker
Publication year 2016
Source/Footnote In: Higher education. - 72 (2016) 6, S. 781 - 795
Inventory number 44988
Keywords Hochschule : Wettbewerb ; Ausland : Dänemark : Hochschulwesen allgemein ; Ausland : Finnland : Hochschulwesen allgemein ; Ausland : Norwegen : Hochschulwesen allgemein ; Ausland : Schweden : Hochschulwesen allgemein
Abstract Global university rankings currently attract considerable attention, and it is often assumed that such rankings may cause universities to prioritize activities and outcomes that will have a positive effect in their ranking position. A possible consequence of this could be the spread of a particular model of an “ideal” university. This article tests this assumption through an analysis of a sample of research-intensive universities in the Nordic region. Through document analysis and interviews with institutional leaders and staff from central administration, the study explores whether high-ranked Nordic universities take strategic measures as a response to global rankings, and whether the traditional identities of the universities are changing, as they are influenced and affected by the rankings. The study shows that rankings have a relatively modest impact on decision-making and strategic actions in the Nordic universities studied, and that there are few signs of rankings challenging the existing identities of the universities in this region. (HRK / Abstract übernommen) Elken, Mari, E-Mail: