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Abstract

In recent years, many governments have granted increased institutional autonomy to public universities, often combined with increased accountability towards the State. At the same time, tertiary education institutions have been challenged to become more responsive to the needs of the market. This article examines the tensions and challenges that these trends create for public universities, and seeks to identify key adjustments that university leaders must make to be able to manage their institutions in a more responsive and innovative manner. It starts by outlining the multiplicity of needs and the range of stakeholders that universities are expected to satisfy. It then highlights the new leadership and management requirements faced by tertiary education institutions intent on responding better to market needs. Finally, it examines the implications of this new state of affairs for institutional autonomy and accountability.