Thematic Research Report series

Thematic Research Reports

241 complete publications covering the years 2005 to 2026.

Showing 3 of 3 results

241 publications in this series

ICEQC-R-2008-09October 30, 2008

Thematic Research Report

Regulatory Continuity for Education Providers during Economic Instability

A global policy and regulatory synthesis on lawful authority, essential educational provision, learner protection and proportionate supervision

Financial stress intensified sharply in September and October 2008 against an existing background of high food and commodity prices and uneven progress towards Education for All. At the cutoff date, the duration and full educational effects of the disturbance cannot be known. The available official evidence nevertheless establishes a sufficient basis for preventive public action: economic conditions are unusually uncertain, household and public resources are exposed, and many education systems already face deficits in access, teachers, quality and finance.

Research category: Industry Policy and Regional Regulatory Analysis
Report archetype: Policy and Regulatory Synthesis
Geographic scope: Global

ICEQC-R-2008-08October 10, 2008

Thematic Research Report

Protecting Core Education Provision during Fiscal and Commodity Price Pressures

A global policy and regulatory synthesis on fiscal prioritisation, household protection and the continuity of essential education services

The food and fuel price surge of 2007–08 placed immediate pressure on households, public budgets and the cost of operating education services. By September 2008, international assessments described intensified balance-of-payments effects, higher inflation and increasing fiscal costs across many low- and middle-income countries, while emphasising substantial differences in exposure and policy capacity. Financial conditions were also becoming markedly uncertain. As at 10 October 2008, neither the duration nor the eventual education consequences could responsibly be stated as settled. The public duty was nevertheless clear: governments needed a disciplined method for preventing short-term adjustment from causing avoidable and potentially irreversible educational loss. For fiscal protection, the executive summary evidence must show how price or revenue pressure reaches essential education service and affected learners.

Research category: Industry Policy and Regional Regulatory Analysis
Report archetype: Policy and Regulatory Synthesis
Geographic scope: Global

ICEQC-R-2008-01February 8, 2008

Thematic Research Report

Regional Coordination on Learner Mobility and Qualification Transparency

A policy and regulatory synthesis on fair recognition, intelligible qualifications, supported mobility and cooperation across Europe and neighbouring regions

Learner mobility depends on a chain of public and institutional decisions made before, during and after a period of study. A person must be able to identify a suitable opportunity, understand its academic and financial conditions, obtain permission and support to participate, carry a reliable record of learning, and secure a fair decision on the effect of that learning on return or progression. Regional cooperation has produced instruments for each part of this chain. Yet the existence of instruments does not by itself make mobility dependable. The central policy question in February 2008 is whether national authorities and institutions use common principles consistently enough for a learner to move without avoidable loss of time, credit, status or opportunity.

Research category: Industry Policy and Regional Regulatory Analysis
Report archetype: Policy and Regulatory Synthesis
Geographic scope: Europe and neighbouring regions