Social Scientists and Higher Education Policy Studies

Abstract

A distinctive feature of higher education policy studies over the past four decades has been the significant contributions made by distinguished scholars trained in social science fields other than education. These researchers, of whom Guy Neave is one, have enriched the field of higher education policy studies, identifying and exploring important new research agendas, introducing theoretical orientations new to higher education studies, organising large‐scale team and comparative projects, and contributing significantly to conceptualising how higher education systems might operate more efficiently and effectively. Some of these scholars have remained in university social science departments while others have joined or linked themselves with specialised higher education policy centres or institutes.