The Emergence of the New Generation University

Abstract

This paper describes "New Generation" universities and the challenges they face in fulfilling expectations of them-as catalysts for regional development, providing pathways to higher education for students of diverse backgrounds, developing innovative and applied research which addresses contemporary social and economic issues, and being at the forefront of education across a spectrum of emerging professions. The deteriorating financial position and growing competitiveness of the Australian higher education sector are serious challenges for the nation's economicand regional viability. The answer to this situation can be found in new forms of recognition and in incentive systems that do not only formulaically accept the historical status and positional capital of long established universities, but also recognize the achievements and immense potential of newer institutions-the New Generation Universities.