Development of Higher Education
By signing the Bologna Declaration in 2001, Croatia began a process of major reform of its higher education system, which is required for the country to take part in the creation of the European Higher Education Area. As a result, there is a need for active involvement in the development and reform of the higher education system and higher education institutions, in order to bring them in line with European standards. On the other hand, there is a need to create a broader social framework to support development based on knowledge and the respect of democratic principles in education.
Far-reaching administrative and programme reforms are being carried out in Croatian higher education, introducing structural changes in the system and thereby creating new opportunities for cooperation. The Institute for the Development of Education (IDE) is involved in the development of higher education in Croatia through innovative and progressive forms of cooperation with higher education institutions in Croatia and abroad in the following areas:
- Developing and advocating higher education policies that correspond to the needs of a knowledge society as well as respect the rights and needs of individuals;
- Enhancing the system of higher education in Croatia, as well as the work and services of institutions in higher education by providing them with necessary expertise and technical support;
- Raising access to higher education by enabling equal access to information and financial aid for higher education for all interested individuals.
IDE has so far implemented over 30 projects in the area of development of higher education. Four of the projects were funded by the European Commission, one by UNESCO, seven by the U.S. Government, and six by the Croatian Government. IDE successfully implements its projects through participation in national and international networks and by cooperating with Croatian universities and other relevant institutions in higher education.
