Nations with strong research universities are better able to compete in
the international marketplace of ideas and innovation. Any
country--especially in the developing world--striving to participate in
the global knowledge economy must recognize the power of such
institutions to transform society. In World Class Worldwide, analysts
from developing and middle-income countries in Asia and Latin America
explore their countries' specific challenges in providing "world class"
higher education.
Philip G. Altbach, Jorge Balán, and their contributors combine current
scholarship and practical experience in presenting a comprehensive
discussion of the significant issues facing research universities in
Mexico, China, India, and elsewhere. They address the special challenges
of establishing and maintaining these institutions; the role of
information technology; how research universities train leaders and
foster scientific innovation; and the extent to which the private sector
can and should be involved in funding and development.