The effects of globalization on the Panamanian university system: 1990--2007

As a global crossroads, Panama has always been subject to the effects of globalization. In recent decades, with technology and market forces advancing with unprecedented speed, these effects have been especially impacting. Higher education is one sector that has changed dramatically. Until the 1980s, there were only two universities in Panama. Now, the Ministry of Education recognizes 36 institutions and the Public Registry lists far more.;This study examines how the process of globalization from 1990 to 2007 has affected the development of the university system in Panama. It explores this evolution from the standpoint of the vision for university education that stakeholders are developing through policies, accords and legislation, as well from the perspective of the business opportunity that university education represents in the local market.;The research is designed as an embedded, single-case study. It incorporates qualitative and quantitative data to present a descriptive review of Panama's recent globalization and economic growth, trends in the globalization of higher education and Panama's involvement in this process, the current structure and composition of the university system in Panama, and implications for the future. Specific methodologies include document and secondary data analyses and semi-structured interviews.;Findings suggest the major strength of the university system is its accessibility; weaknesses include low overall quality, lack of quality assurance mechanisms, and unresponsiveness to market and development needs. The evidence also points to a historical tendency of power concentration that may hinder university system modernization. Stakeholder perceptions indicate the university system is not well positioned to contribute to the country's competitiveness. The implications threaten to relegate the university system to a position of relative insignificance for Panama's development; they also portend an increased reliance on foreign education and labor for continued growth in the provision of international services---the motor driving the Panamanian economy.;This research provides inputs for national educational policy and establishes a framework for university system analysis, which may serve other countries of the region, as well, that face similar situations with higher education.