Introduction

As city and nation states battle to emerge from world recession, keen to define their position in a new global economic order, higher education is under huge pressure from world governments to drive economic growth and play a key role in securing their global position. As global markets develop rapidly, governments perceive that innovation and economic growth will be generated from global networks of researchers, students and institutions. The question is not whether a country wishes to internationalise its higher education system, but how can it do so for the greatest benefit and most efficiently.

The internationalisation of higher education creates impact at international, national and local levels. International education is a significant industry for the UK (the higher education sector generated £33 billion in 2009, with £5.6 billion from international students), with international research, mobility and teaching partnerships contributing significantly to the total revenue. However, these are hugely dependent on mutual understanding and trust for their success and sustainability. Events of the past decade and predictions of the challenges ahead show us that cultural relations are increasingly important. We are also witnessing a new age of cultural relations beyond the UK, with similar new initiatives emerging in the USA and France.

The pace of change is no longer being set by the traditional leaders of the higher education debate – in the USA, western Europe and Australia. The connections and interdependencies are shaping a future where no single country can lead or dictate the terms of the debate on the future of education.