The CRASP Research Institute: A Response to the Need for Informed Policy in Higher Education and Research

The Polish higher education system has undergone profound changes since 1989. In particular, state institutions have gained a great deal of autonomy, and private institutions have been organized. Student enrollments have skyrocketed, but funding per student has decreased, along with faculty salaries. The system of higher education as it stands today requires deft strategic management based on competent analyses and accurate information. Thus, in order to better address matters of policy, governance, and management collectively, the Polish doctoral degree granting institutions have formed the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland (CRASP) that in turn has decided to support the creation of an independent research institute. The work of this Institute will cover almost all aspects of higher education and science. It will function foremost according to a networking principle. The results of its research projects will be made available, not only to CRASP itself, but also to other interested parties.