SJPA Special Issue Introduction: What Has Changed and What Remains? Institutional Shifts in Nordic Higher Education in the 2000s

Abstract

In this special issue, four individual articles approach change and continuity in Nordic HE policy from different angles. Two of the articles explore ideational change in HE policies, outlining bold reforms of the national system of Denmark and Finland. The studies make visible a longer view of continuity and change in domesticHEin the period from 2000 to 2020. The other two articles focus on the dynamic and complex interplay between institutional and academic ideals, as well as the importance associated with embracing complexity and reflexivity. These perspectives reflect the dynamics of collaboration and competition in academic practices, which may appear conflicting but often resulting paradoxical tensions that, if handled properly or embraced, are likely to be negotiated or addressed in a constructive manner. [this passage is taken from the introductive article of the special issue, see Poutanen et al 2023]