The LH Martin Institute is pleased to present a series of policy discussion papers prepared by its complement of Senior Fellows, Associates and Researchers to contribute to the debate we think is necessary to reform and invigorate the tertiary education sector, in particular vocational education and TAFE. The series covers a range of topical issues, from policy settings, governance, funding, competency based training, social inequality and training markets, with a view of looking forward, providing independent advice based on thorough analysis of why are find ourselves where we currently are.

This year’s conference will examine examples of innovation throughout the tertiary education sector as well as learnings which could be applied from other sectors. With a highly interactive format, keynote speakers from within and outside the sector will provide insights into innovative activities which can be taken up more broadly. Join us in Melbourne to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the LH Martin Institute.

This special issue of the JHEPM will consider the policy focus on universities’ employment outcomes, resultant strategies to enhance students’ employability, and the impact of these on higher education practice. Papers are sought from different perspectives focusing on conceptual issues, and empirical studies, which could address a range of questions as listed on the page. Click to find out more.

Professor Sandra Jones spoke with Dr Heather Davis about the HERDSA Guide and their longstanding interest in shared leadership.

Although the Information Age is connecting billions of people, ideas and resources — achieving an astounding pace of technological change and even suggesting a future where human and machine become one — it also offers a renewal of the promise and value of something centuries old.

The nature of Australian universities traditionally has been characterised by competition. However, in the context of open innovation, the realisation grows that collaborating and sharing knowledge and information has a very positive impact on innovation and the effectiveness of individual organisations. So what can we learn from others? This theme will take us through how universities partner with other universities, state and local governments, and industry and community organisations.

Universities fund their research activities through a combination to external research funding, principally government sources with some private sector contributions, and by using university discretionary funds. The latter are mainly sourced for teaching domestic and international students and from donations and investment income. In numerous submissions to the Commonwealth Government Australian universities have consistently stated that government research funding was insufficient to sustain their international competitiveness so cross-subsidisation was necessary.

Universities are no longer the bastions of privilege they once were. The once hallowed halls of learning have been replaced with global institutions all competing for a piece of the knowledge pie. So, what does this mean for the tertiary education sector?