Board governance priorities in higher education institutions: comparative analysis of board members’ visions in Finland and Sweden

Abstract

This study examines the perceived governance roles of university boards in Nordic higher education, focusing on Sweden and Finland as case examples. In light of global governance reforms, this research aims to explore how board members in Finnish and Swedish university governance systems perceive their roles. The theoretical framework builds on layered governance styles and the literature on board roles. The findings contribute to the discussion of Nordic higher education governance by exploring the visions of board members regarding board governance, which is a relatively under-researched area. This comparative approach not only sheds light on commonalities due to shared historical, social, and political ties between the two countries but also highlights differences through an analysis of key factors and issues that distinguish board governance in these countries. This analysis enriches the understanding of board governance in the Nordic context.