The Complexities of the Slovak Higher Education Development

This paper provides a description and analysis of higher educational issues concerning Slovakia. Slovakia faces a middle-income trap and a brain drain of spirited students to neighboring countries. One observes a general societal appeal not only to carry economic development to higher standards but also to increase the standard of higher education. We begin with a short historical presentation of higher educational institutions and continue with analytical remarks concerning the prevailing situation in the Slovak higher educational system. We show how the character of education changed after the breakup of socialism and the emergence of the independent Slovak Republic. For example, the number of university students has significantly increased over the last 30 years; consequently, higher education has lost its elite character. In addition, we map the responses of the Slovak authorities to these developments and discuss universities’ place and identity. We discuss issues connected with developing innovation and entrepreneurship skills and the steps toward increasing the international recognition of Slovak higher education. Finally, we present a theoretical framework for socially relevant universities followed by a presentation of the current challenges and recent changes in Slovakia’s higher education sector.