Interactive transfer guide: sharing knowledge from the ESRALE project

The Interactive Transfer Guide (ITG) is an expert resource that summarises and points users to where they can find the full details of the distinctive knowledge developed as part of the ESRALE project, including the key outputs and lessons learned. It is designed to be used by a range of parties interested in developing and innovating the professional provision of adult education across Europe

Restructuring of the Irish Institutes of Technology Sector – New Knowledge or Mission Drift?

Higher education in Ireland has undergone a rapid expansion in past decades, with an associated increase in research funding and enterprise engagement, but this has been more recently undermined by austerity measures resulting from the economic recession in the end of the last decade. Discussion around the restructuring of the Irish Institutes of Technology (IoT) sector began following the OECD review of Irish higher education (2004), which recommended enhancing research infrastructure and noted the cost implications of maintaining a large number of smaller-sized higher education institutions. The National Strategy for Irish Higher Education to 2030 (2011), also referred to as the Hunt Report, was set out in the context of austerity and proposed merging the Irish Institutes of Technology (IoTs) into a smaller number of stronger institutions, followed by the potential establishment of Technological Universities (TUs). As Ireland enters a period of economic recovery, rationalisation measures are becoming secondary to the efforts aimed at enhancing the IoT sector and enabling it to better respond to the needs of the modern society. Potential Technological Universities would take on additional functions, including building research capacity – an aim reflected in the Technological Universities Bill 2015. This paper provides a review of some of the reasons behind the restructuring internationally, and how IoTs’ main characteristics compare with institutions of similar standing in other European countries. The role of higher education today is reviewed, along with the progression of research development in Ireland. Some implications of Technological Universities are discussed, including their potential contribution to fostering research and development in Ireland, particularly in the field of applied research – but also the potential drift of vocational mission in the TUs, challenges associated with TU’s additional functions, and how academic work may be changing in the newly formed institutions. It is argued that further consideration of these and other implications in developing the TUs is needed through engagement with stakeholders, to enhance the outcomes for the students, regional communities, and society as a whole

Living longer, learning longer – working longer? Implications for new workforce dynamics

As increasing numbers of people decide to remain in the workforce beyond the traditional retirement age – whether by choice or necessity – new prospects arise for individuals, educational providers, employers and businesses. While individuals can remain active members of the workforce, with advantages to themselves, society and the economy, employers can also benefit from the available talent of people of all ages, making the workplace more diverse and inclusive. Changing workforce dynamics point to the need for a shift towards more ‘age-friendly’ policies and practices, supported by the public policy. The report is designed to be of interest to a range of colleagues including: policy makers; employers; education and training providers; trade unions; businesses; researchers; and individuals

Demographic changes and longer working lives: implications for lifelong learning

Unprecedented growth of older population, globally and in Ireland, particularly population aged 65+ is projected to increase: from 637,500 in 2016 to 1.4 million by 2046, driven by higher life expectancy (CSO, 2013). One dominant theme: rising ‘Old Age Dependency’ ratios and resulting pressure for public finances

Interactive transfer guide: sharing knowledge from the ESRALE project

The Interactive Transfer Guide (ITG) is an expert resource that summarises and points users to where they can find the full details of the distinctive knowledge developed as part of the ESRALE project, including the key outputs and lessons learned. It is designed to be used by a range of parties interested in developing and innovating the professional provision of adult education across Europe

Restructuring of the Irish Institutes of Technology Sector – New Knowledge or Mission Drift?

Higher education in Ireland has undergone a rapid expansion in past decades, with an associated increase in research funding and enterprise engagement, but this has been more recently undermined by austerity measures resulting from the economic recession in the end of the last decade. Discussion around the restructuring of the Irish Institutes of Technology (IoT) sector began following the OECD review of Irish higher education (2004), which recommended enhancing research infrastructure and noted the cost implications of maintaining a large number of smaller-sized higher education institutions. The National Strategy for Irish Higher Education to 2030 (2011), also referred to as the Hunt Report, was set out in the context of austerity and proposed merging the Irish Institutes of Technology (IoTs) into a smaller number of stronger institutions, followed by the potential establishment of Technological Universities (TUs). As Ireland enters a period of economic recovery, rationalisation measures are becoming secondary to the efforts aimed at enhancing the IoT sector and enabling it to better respond to the needs of the modern society. Potential Technological Universities would take on additional functions, including building research capacity – an aim reflected in the Technological Universities Bill 2015. This paper provides a review of some of the reasons behind the restructuring internationally, and how IoTs’ main characteristics compare with institutions of similar standing in other European countries. The role of higher education today is reviewed, along with the progression of research development in Ireland. Some implications of Technological Universities are discussed, including their potential contribution to fostering research and development in Ireland, particularly in the field of applied research – but also the potential drift of vocational mission in the TUs, challenges associated with TU’s additional functions, and how academic work may be changing in the newly formed institutions. It is argued that further consideration of these and other implications in developing the TUs is needed through engagement with stakeholders, to enhance the outcomes for the students, regional communities, and society as a whole