This insightful book explores the complexities and opportunities of implementing reform in higher education systems. Chapters analyse the diverse factors taken into account at the system level, the institutional level and the individual grass-root level, outlining potential causes of resistance from the academic community and highlighting innovative avenues for change. Leading global scholars delve into the critical challenges of policy implementation in higher education, from academic inbreeding and the need to preserve diversity to the impact of low birth rates and changing population dynamics. They investigate emerging ecological approaches and evaluate the success of the foundational university model, drawing on detailed case studies to examine differences in university autonomy and governance between Europe and the US. Shedding light on theories such as new public management, new managerialism and networked governance, the book ultimately underlines key strategies for effecting change against a backdrop of globalisation, massification and marketisation. Reform and Change in Higher Education is an invaluable resource for students and researchers in education, higher education and public policy. Its insights into the practical difficulties of higher education reform will also greatly benefit university and government professionals and policymakers.