Greek higher education institutions (HEIs) and European Union drivers: Some observations on organisational changes

Since the 1960s successive Greek governments have increased investment in universities, TEIs, and distance education (Hellenic Open University) with both general and targeted funding expanding the range of programming and institutions.  Some of the obvious benefits have been : improved access; attracting back to Greece higher quality academics, significant economic benefits locally/regionally from direct, indirect spending; greater social mobility; improved life long learning opportunities; commercialization of research (such as FORTHnet); and improvements in linking universities to knowledge economy and  engaging communities. Also, since entering the EU, Greek Universities have benefited greatly from access to various infrastructure, research and ‘community’ funds which have enhanced their role in expanding public benefits.

Some of the differences in the educational performance and general success of HEIs in meeting societal needs between Greece and the rest of Europe are a result of the differences in investment per student (with Northern European institutions investing anywhere from 2 to 5 times the amount in Greece). Other significant differences include organizational issues (with Greece amongst the most centralized bureaucratically). Closely related, there is less diversity in teaching and research programs particularly in arts/social sciences and less emphasis on strategic roles attached to HEIs for social and economic development. The current monetary crisis represents a unique challenge for these organizations as they seek autonomy and a new relation to the “market” for skills and jobs.