Open AccessEmerging University-Society Engagements in Africa
Author(s) -
Teklu Abate Bekele,
Denis Thaddeus Ofoyuru
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
comparative and international higher education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2151-0407
pISSN - 2151-0393
DOI - 10.32674/jcihe.v13i1.1690
Subject(s) - globalization , relevance (law) , liberalization , higher education , accountability , modalities , political science , knowledge society , knowledge production , sociology , public relations , economic growth , social science , knowledge management , economics , computer science , law
Due mainly to globalization, knowledge economies, liberalization, and regulation and accountability regimes, higher education institutions are under increasing pressure to demonstrate their relevance and significance to society. European and North American universities have rearticulated their profiles and adopted entrepreneurial and engaged mandates. The extent to which and how African universities are strategically repositioning themselves in that respect remains obscure. Using relevant theoretical frameworks, this study explores emerging modalities of university-society engagements and linkages in Africa through a critical analysis of the current strategic plans of 30 universities from 14 countries. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the strategic plans reveal that universities have explicitly identified strategies for the production and transfer of knowledge; for creating networks and partnerships; and for engaging varied stakeholders in decision making at various levels. Implications for further research are identified.