Know how to 'let go' if you don't have enough resources

According to the draft plan for the network of higher education and teacher training institutions for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, which the Ministry of Education and Training is currently seeking feedback on for finalization, the current strengths and weaknesses of the system have been identified. Based on this, a list of priority programs and projects for investment has been proposed to strengthen the system. Of particular note is the proposal regarding the orientation for the arrangement and development of public universities in the period up to 2030.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, the current state of the higher education network stems from outdated planning perspectives, focusing on quantitative and spatial indicators rather than utilizing quality assurance tools. Information on the labor market and competitive mechanisms regarding quality and brand recognition has not been collected as a primary basis for adjusting the number of training institutions and the structure of disciplines to meet human resource needs. Furthermore, policies for managing planning, including monitoring quality assurance conditions and evaluating the network's development against labor market demands, have yet to be implemented.

This has led to a situation where some higher education institutions are established or upgraded rapidly without adequate supervision of quality assurance conditions; there is a lack of regular inspection, monitoring, and evaluation of the implementation of the plan to make timely adjustments. Post-planning implementation lacks readiness in terms of land, investment capital, human resources, mechanisms, and policies... As a result, some upgraded institutions operate primarily based on existing infrastructure, faculty, and management staff, or receive only insignificant additional investment.

This is not to mention the pressure to open more schools from localities across the country, leading to a scattered planning situation that fails to provide sufficient resources for some key higher education institutions or priority fields and sectors to invest in development that is close to regional and global standards.

Based on the current situation, the Ministry of Education and Training proposes consolidating and reorganizing universities that do not meet the standards for higher education institutions according to three options. First, restructuring and focusing investment to meet the standards within a 3-5 year timeframe. Second, merging them to become a single training unit or a branch of a reputable higher education institution. Third, suspending training activities before 2028 and dissolving them before 2030.

Of these options, Option 1 seems the most difficult to implement, as it involves two factors: land and money. Both of these factors are closely related and, importantly, depend on the investment perspective: is the university viewed as a place to generate profit, or as an investment in human resources, that is, an investment in the future?

If investing in higher education is considered an investment in the future, then the governing bodies of public universities need to recognize that investing in universities is a big "game".

If you lack the strength, you need to know when to "let go" so as not to hinder the system's development.

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