Comparing Systems of Research and Innovation:Shifting Contexts for Higher Education and the Academic Profession

This chapter begins by revisiting the knowledge society and knowledge economy concepts introduced in the first section of this volume and outlines the key findings of case studies from a comparative perspective. The findings are presented in terms of the scale of research and innovation systems and coordination between stakeholders, including government and the business sector. We emphasize the role of higher education in a changing social and economic context and its implications for the academic profession and doctoral education. By identifying a list of similarities and differences across systems, we highlight that the academic profession should be understood in the context of shifting research and development policies from a long-term perspective. We also raise the questions of how nations can create a sustainable system of research innovation and foster collaboration between sectors and how the academic profession should respond and contribute to sustainable research and innovation systems