The state of academic careers in OECD countries
An evidence review
The evidence review examines the state of academic careers in higher education systems
in OECD countries, providing an overview of available data, research evidence and
examples of policy and practice. Key concerns for academics and policy makers include
the working conditions of academics, an increasing reliance on precarious and casual
contracts, high workloads and negative impacts on work-life balance. Career incentives
currently tend to focus on – and favour – research output, often side-lining teaching,
engagement, and other duties. Initial academic training generally fails to prepare
academics comprehensively for their roles, and more continuous professional learning
will likely be needed to support academics to exploit the potential of increasingly
digitalised learning environments. Although flexibility in academic career paths has
been promoted in some higher education systems, academics tend to remain in academia,
with limited inter-sectoral mobility. The review highlights the persistent under-representation
of – and challenges confronting – women and marginalised groups in academia. Despite
the growth of international mobility and collaboration, the participation of academics
in internalisation activities varies considerably within and between institutions
and across higher education systems. Furthermore, a troubling decline in academic
freedom over the past decade raises substantial concerns.
Available from February 29, 2024
In series:OECD Education Policy Perspectivesview more titles