“Global rankings of universities have gained new currency in Ireland in recent weeks, appearing to influence government policy on funding in higher education. Support for the current Review of Higher Education and the establishment of the TCD/UCD innovation alliance noted that they ‘are the only Irish universities ranked inside the world top 200’ (The Irish Times, January 30th and March 12th 2009). This preoccupation with the relative standing of our universities reflects the consensus that higher education is the engine of economic growth. But are global rankings the most appropriate benchmark for shaping policy? …” (more)
[Ellen Hazelkorn, Irish Times, 21 April]