The relationship between the state and higher education institutions has changed in the last ten or so years due to a shift in society's expectations regarding universities' contributions to the knowledge-based economy. Universities produce knowledge, ideas, and skills that are invested in and relied upon by nations. Recently, a popular topic in university affairs has been institutional autonomy, which is described as the dynamic relationship between the state and universities and the extent of state control depending on the national context and circumstances. Using the case of ten academics from universities in South Africa, this paper reports on the unsettled discourse of university autonomy and academic freedom in which the degree of state authority and university governance have emerged as contentious topics. In this paper, it is concluded that the politics of knowing in higher education institutions concerned with the state-industry-private stakeholder collaboration is detrimental to university autonomy while acknowledging that universities, supported by their understanding of the role and responsibilities of academic freedom, cannot remain distant, but must become receptive to urgent and critical societal obligations.

Authors:
Amasa Ndofirepi, Sol Plaatje University, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Amasa Ndofirepi holds a PhD in Philosophy of Education and is currently a Full Professor of Philosophy and History of Education. He has extensive experience in teacher education, previously worked at various higher education institutions

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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