Projecting Regional Cooperation and Integration of Higher Education in East Asia: The Chapter on JICA-RI's Research Findings Published in Emerging International Dimension in East Asian Higher Education

Asian economies, after overcoming the two financial crises, are key driving forces of the global economy. To maintain their economic growth, the emerging countries in the region need to keep updating their economic structure with innovation. For this, upgrading labor force with advanced skill and technology is essential; and continuous and innovative efforts from the private sector, governments and international organizations are required to ensure adequate human resources. With increased mobility of people and goods across borders, higher education as a “public good” faces a challenge to change increasingly in a regional and global context.

JICA-RI’s research project, entitled “Analysis of Cross-Border Higher Education for Regional Integration and Labor Market in East Asia,” conducted an intensive survey on the direction of regional cooperation and integration in the field of higher education. It targeted 300 leading universities in East Asia. The study suggests the need of policy and measures to promote construction of a new East Asian higher education framework and cross-border dual or joint degree programs.