The transformation of modern higher education - A case study of higher education internationalization policies in the Netherlands

Higher education (HE) is traditionally governed at the national level by the creation of public policies. However, the role of governments in HE governance is challenged as globalization erodes national sovereignty and marketizes Higher Education. European governments meet these challenges by internationalizing their HE systems through the Bologna Process and the Lisbon Agenda. This research consists of a case study of the process of internationalization of Higher Eduation in the Netherlands. We focus on the evolution of Dutch HE internationalization policies in the period 2004-2010. The case study describes the internationization policies and identifies the policy instrument types used and the reasons behind their creation. The case-study established that the Dutch HE internationalization was stalled due to a number of cabinet collapses that lead to less agenda-setting of HE internationalization. The Dutch HE internationalization policies created mainly consist of instruments of treasure that stimulate academic mobility. The reasons for creating internationization policies were strongly economic.