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Governing in the shadow of Bologna: return of the state in higher education quality assurance policy

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  • Anu Toots
  • Leif Kalev

Abstract

The Bologna process emerged as a voluntary network of higher education systems, but within a few years it has gradually transformed into a new form of governance closely linked to the EU. This implies the return of executive power, though by using new tools and arenas. The article aims to analyse to which extent this shift in governing in the Bologna process is evident in higher education of Estonia. The analysis revealed similar developments in higher education quality assurance at both European and domestic levels, characterised by strengthening of executive agencies which govern by data and quality standards. Semi-structured interviews demonstrated that executive actors are better adjusted to the new situation of governance compared to legislative actors. While members of parliament and interest group representatives commonly failed to distinguish between the Bologna process and the EU Lisbon agenda, executive actors efficiently used the European agenda to advance domestic quality assurance reforms. Moreover, in contrast with parliamentary representatives, civil servants understood the need to reconfigure existing policy networks that may eventually further strengthen the position of executives in higher education policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Anu Toots & Leif Kalev, 2016. "Governing in the shadow of Bologna: return of the state in higher education quality assurance policy," International Journal of Public Policy, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 12(1/2), pages 54-70.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpubp:v:12:y:2016:i:1/2:p:54-70
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Radaelli, Claudio M., 2004. "Europeanisation: Solution or problem?," European Integration online Papers (EIoP), European Community Studies Association Austria (ECSA-A), vol. 8, October.
    2. Johan P. Olsen, 2002. "The Many Faces of Europeanization," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(5), pages 921-952, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Loogma, Krista, 2016. "Europeanization in VET Policy as a Process of Reshaping the Educational Space," International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training (IJRVET), European Research Network in Vocational Education and Training (VETNET), European Educational Research Association, vol. 3(1), pages 16-28.

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