Since the start of the 1990s, the flourishing demand for higher education has unleashed unprecedented growth of universities. But as this decade’s geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation and cultural divisions deepen, Western universities are forced to manage more competitive student markets and their governments’ protectionist polices, while responding to an AI-driven technological revolution challenging the very model of university education.
撸撸视频n universities have been the greatest of globalisation. 撸撸视频’s international education has been by the and favourable regulations, linked with immigration policy. But as international student revenue grew, the government’s funding – creating a dependency on international income to support domestic demand.
撸撸视频n universities today have a dual personality. On the one hand they are self-regulating public institutions, expected to educate and support their local communities. On the other, many 撸撸视频n universities are large international businesses employing thousands of staff, selling education products to thousands of customers and managing large property and investment portfolios.
These contradictions were manageable in the past three benign decades. But as fragmentation and geopolitical tensions gathered pace, the model has started to unravel.
First, starting from 2017 撸撸视频’s against China’s interference led by the Turnbull government revealed 撸撸视频n universities’ to .
Then came the pandemic that emptied the campuses from new international students. As borders reopened, students returned. The for a more sustainable international education have drowned in the sea of new enrolments.
In 2022, the Albanese government was elected with a mandate to build 撸撸视频’s and . In foreign affairs, 撸撸视频 has pursued an even deeper enmeshment with the US to counter China’s power, while investing in domestic defence capabilities.
With federal elections on the horizon to be fought over housing and immigration, the government picked a target that has surprisingly weak political influence – 撸撸视频n universities.
By linking the housing crisis with international students, the government first tighter visa regulations and increased visa fees, followed by a policy of . The sector’s response was but the reputational and economic impact of the caps is expected to be significant.
The universities’ relationship with China, student caps, and the contest for freedom of speech have shown that 撸撸视频n universities are exposed to the three forces of this decade’s geopolitical upheaval – fragmentation, protectionism and technology-amplified divisions over values.?How universities respond to these challenges will determine their success in the new age of geopolitics.
Today we are witnessing an unprecedented geopolitical, technological and societal change. 撸撸视频 is responding by building a “Fortress 撸撸视频” – aligning even closer with the US; investing in defence; diversifying trade, energy and supply-chains; and rebuilding local manufacturing.
In many new industries – from AI to electric vehicles – 撸撸视频 is a start-up, reliant on overseas technologies and talent. To succeed, we need a well-funded education and research system that remains open to cross-border flow of talent.
The paradoxical co-existence of fragmentation and interdependence offers 撸撸视频n universities an opportunity to rebalance their international and domestic strategies.
First, the ageing of East Asia, in quality of local universities, the of higher education and suggest that a model of mass recruitment of international students to study onshore in 撸撸视频 will in the next two decades be unviable. of the are ramping up their transnational partnerships to be ahead of that trend.
Second, 撸撸视频n universities must reclaim their ground on policy. The scale and speed of change requires greater contestability of policy and evidence-based decision-making. Our universities are treasure troves of expertise on the most complex policy issues. Yet deep policy interactions between universities and government are rare. Universities must prioritise policy engagement or risk being left on the margins of policymaking.
Third, a meteoric rise in global and 撸撸视频n defence spending offers enormous commercial and innovation to universities. The will require an unprecedented collaborative effort between governments, industries and universities. 撸撸视频n universities have a vital role in developing our own , as well as attracting the best minds from abroad.
Fourth, 撸撸视频n universities must lead on Asia literacy. The teaching of Asian languages and studies continues to , at a time when the need to understand our region has never been greater. Our universities must look beyond student demand and funding and invest in teaching and research of Asia as a part of their contribution to 撸撸视频’s future.
Finally, 撸撸视频n universities must continue to with China. China will remain a science and research . China’s demand for higher education will continue to be and it will remain an of . With the right leadership and policies, 撸撸视频 can and must engage with both China and the US.
撸撸视频n universities face what Treasurer Jim Chalmers as “a world of churn and change”. Our universities need to find a balance between their national, global and institutional obligations and aspirations. A resilient and cohesive “Fortress 撸撸视频” that remains open to international trade and talent needs a “Team 撸撸视频” that is educated, innovative and globally minded. Our universities have a fundamental role in building this team.
is the founder of Geopolitical Risks and Strategy Practice, and former CEO?of the Asia Society 撸撸视频. This article is an abridged version of a paper presented at the 撸撸视频n International Education Conference in Melbourne on 23 October.
