University Integration in Slovenia: Tracing the Policy Trajectory

Abstract

In a globalised, knowledge-intensive society, in which higher education is seen as inextricably linked to economic and social progress, how the university is conceived, and indeed valued, has come into focus. This thesis traces the trajectory of the resultant policies that imply a more integrated university actor. It provides a conceptual basis for university integration and rationales thereof, and examines the formation of policies of integration in the context of Slovenia. Following the trajectory, the thesis attempts to understand how universities have interpreted and enacted these systemic changes through an examination of two cases. By doing so, the intention is to provide a foundation for future research. Consequently, a number of dichotomies and variations emerged, as global scripts came up against local identities. Universities are only now beginning to substantively react to such changes. Thus, how universities do policies of integration in Slovenia is varied and unfolding.