Since 1980, higher education access and endorsement have grown more dramatically in Asia than in any other area of the world. Both developed and developing nations are witnessing rapid expansion in the higher education sector. Nor is this progress entirely quantitative: a number of Asian universities are on a par with the finest institutions of higher education in the U.S. and Europe. Until now, however, there has been little historical analysis and virtually no comparative analysis of Asian higher education. This volume offers a detailed comparative study of the emergence of the modern university in Asia, linking the historical development of universities in the region with contemporary realities and future challenges. The contributors describe higher education systems in eleven countries—Korea, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Phillippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Japan—and explore similarities and differences through two comparative essays. Each case study includes a discussion of the nature and influence of both indigenous and European educational traditions; a detailed analysis of development patterns; and a close examination of such contemporary issues as population growth and access, cost, the role of private higher education, the research system, autonomy, and accountability.

亚洲大学联盟（Asian Universities Alliance）是基于亚洲高等教育发展趋势，由清华大学倡议发起、来自亚洲国家和地区的15所初创成员共同建立的高校联盟，于2017年4月29日在北京成立。联盟旨在通过加强成员高校间的合作，共同应对亚洲与世界面临的挑战，尤其是在高等教育、经济、科技发展中遇到的共性问题。亚洲大学联盟每年发布高等教育研究报告。本书是联盟出版的第一部报告，内容涵盖亚洲各国的大学发展现状、策略与未来方向，以及亚洲大学联盟的宗旨与发展设想。对于有志于推动亚洲大学教育的专业工作者、研究者，以及对大学教育专题感兴趣的广大读者，本书具有重要的参考价值。

Research, Development, and Innovation in Asia Pacific Higher Education critically examines recent policies and practices adopted by governments and universities in Asia Pacific in promoting research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurial activities between the universities, industry and business. Critical reflections upon the changing relationship among these stakeholders are offered, with comparative perspectives and international insights into how universities in Asia Pacific have handled the growing pressure for top university rankings and keen competition in the knowledge-based economy.

Expert contributors review the state of higher education in 20 Asian countries.