From a macro perspective, the programme will explore the impact of higher education on development primarily through its impact on economic growth, as well as through its role in enabling technological catch-up, in both national and regional contexts. An institutional perspective will investigate the ways in which the development needs of a region are reflected in the core activities of higher education institutions, and the ways in which these institutions have responded to environmental demands and expectations.

The programme will also explore the relationship between higher education and democratic development. In particular, this component will investigate the effects of higher education on attitudes towards and participation in democracy in specific countries, as well as the role of higher education in producing the human capital needed to run the institutions of democracy.

Alongside the research component is an advocacy strategy that aims to disseminate the findings of the research projects, better co-ordinate existing sources of information on higher education in Africa, develop a media strategy, and put in place a policy dialogue (via seminars and ICT) that constructs interactions between researchers, institutional leaders and decision makers.

Click on the links below to download the programme documents
Programme proposal
Programme structure
Project teams
Higher Education & Economic Development project description
Higher Education & Democracy DARU projects description
University World News Special Africa Edition proposal
University World News web site
HERANA Gateway project description
HERANA projects progress

For further information, contact Tracy Bailey | tgbailey@iafrica.com