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Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > FY2003 White Paper on Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology >Part1 Introduction2 (3)

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Part 1   Higher Education to Support a Knowledge-Based Society Full of Creative Vitality - New Developments in Higher Education Reform
Introduction   Higher Education to Support a Knowledge-Based Society
2   Role of Higher Education in a Knowledge-Based Society and the Necessity for Reform
(3)   Future outlook for higher education


As described above, higher education in Japan is on the verge of entering a new era, based on the accumulated reforms of the past and under a totally new framework. In the process of these reforms, all universities are expected to make use of their individual characteristics and clarify their outlook for the own future. At the same time, however, it is necessary for the higher education system as a whole to clarify its outlook for the future. Responding to social structural change, universities are also at the stage where they must construct a new image for themselves, one in which they can appropriately fulfill the role that is expected of them in the new society. To clarify a direction for the future, it is necessary to consider a number of questions, including what is required of universities, what is the role of undergraduate faculties and graduate schools in universities and the other institutions of higher education, how can learning opportunities be ensured as they become necessary at any stage in the lifecycle and how can those who want to learn be able to do so, and what is necessary to realize education and research of a world-class standard.

In addition, it is also necessary to demonstrate a concept as to how society can support higher education. If one assumes that an outstanding higher education system is necessary for society, then the provision of funds commensurate with such a system and the improvement of social infrastructure necessary to develop higher education are required. Without workplaces to bring out the capabilities acquired at university and a framework that utilizes research results, it will be impossible to promote and develop higher education further.

From this perspective, the Subcommittee on Universities under the Central Council for Education is deliberating a future vision for higher education.

The world of higher education in Japan is facing a mixture of expectations and anxieties, embroiled in many challenges, but out of this process will emerge a new welcome chapter in the history of higher education in Japan.


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