Transformation of university governance through internationalization Challenges for top universities and government policies in Japan

• Published in: Higher education Vol. 70; no. 2; pp. 173 - 186
• Main Authors: Yonezawa, Akiyoshi, Shimmi, Yukiko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Science+Business Media B. V 01.08.2015; Springer Netherlands; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Academic freedom; Ausland; Auslandsbeziehungen; Barriers; College Administration; Colleges & universities; Context; Education; Education reform; Educational Change; Educational Development; Educational History; Educational Policy; Educational Practices; Educational Trends; Emerging markets; English language; Entrance examinations; Evaluation; Finance; Foreign Countries; Global Approach; Globalization; Governance; Government aid to education; Government policy; Government-sponsored research; Graduate studies; Higher Education; Hochschule; Institutional Advancement; Institutional Autonomy; Institutional Characteristics; International education; Internationalität; Internationalization; Investment; Japan; Japanese language; National identity; Organizational Change; Rankings; Research Projects; Social status; Trends; Universities; Universities and colleges; World War II; Japan; World-class universities; Internationalization; University governance; Japan
• ISSN: 0018-1560; 1573-174X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10734-015-9863-0

In order to strengthen their international presence, universities pursuing a world-class status are striving to increase their internationalization. Internationalization implies a transformation of university governance, especially for universities in a non-English-speaking system such as Japan's. This paper examines the challenges of internationalization for Japan's top universities as a transformation process of these universities' governance. First, the historical background of Japanese higher education as an early front-runner in Asia is discussed, along with the dynamics of national identity and global trends. Second, a series of government-funded programs for research and internationalization are examined from the viewpoint of governance reform. The construction of "world-class" universities not only implies concentrated financial investment but also a comprehensive transformation of university governance in a global context. The major challenges for top Japanese research universities in terms of maintaining and improving their international presence are also highlighted. This article suggests the importance of examining the historical and current context of university governance in East Asian higher education. (HRK / Abstract übernommen).