Structures

The CHESS uses the analytical potential of the macro-, meso-, and micro-perspective for the investigation of higher education institutions and science, without losing sight of the manifold interconnections between these levels.

At the macro level, the CHESS focuses on the relationship between higher education institutions and science and their social environments. Here, the focus is on attempts at political control by means of higher education and science policy as well as economic and innovation policy. The relationship of higher education institutions and science to economic actors - for instance in the form of questions of education or innovation economics - and other societal bodies such as associations, foundations, publishers, or the media are examined.

At the meso level, the focus is on the organization of higher education institutions and their current structural changes. Of particular interest are organizational principles and organizational formation processes of higher education institutions, as well as their internal and external capacity for action. In addition, similarities and differences between different types of higher education institutions and convergences and divergences between them are considered.

At the micro level, attention is paid to the individual actors in higher education and science, incuding scientists and academics at all levels, employees in higher education management and administration, members of the growing "third space", and students. This reflects how concrete research, teaching, learning, and administrative activities manifest themselves and change across the various levels of higher education organizations.