There should be more competitive forms of funding to address the imbalance of research infrastructure between universities and Institutes of Technology, a report published today says.
The report, commissioned by the 13 Institutes of Technology, called for a new policy for higher education ensuring more diversity for the future needs of society and the economy and to help each institute act as "engines of growth£ in their region.
Professor Pat Fottrell, who headed the group that carried out the report, criticised the "one solution fits all" policy which he said was not a satisfactory response to the future positioning of the Institute of Technology sector.
The report recommended change in the face of dwindling numbers of school leavers, new regional imperatives linked to a National Spatial Strategy and a European Higher Education process seeking to harmonise educational provision and qualifications.
It also found that there is an increased blurring of boundaries between Institutes of Technology and universities. It called for more collaboration and co-operation between third-level institutions to give students more access to a range of higher education opportunities, as well as to avoid costly duplication of courses.
Dr Mary Meaney, the chairperson of the Council of Directors, described the transformation of the Regional Technical Colleges into the modern Higher Educational Technological sector as "the success story of the Irish Education system over the past 30 years". According to Dr Meaney, the sector now constitutes a major part of higher educational infrastructure and recruits over half the new entrants to third level.
She added that Institutes of Technology should recognise the necessity for change and provide a vision for the future "that is more reflective of the current reality of higher education".