Positioning Mauritius as a Knowledge Hub in the Context of Globalisation

Abstract

Knowledge is the most valued commodity in the global economy. Since 2005, it has been proposed to develop Mauritius into a knowledge hub and a centre of higher learning, thus meeting the needs of an increasingly competitive, knowledge-based and globalised economy. Therefore, this paper provides an understanding of the higher education system in Mauritius. Secondly, it explores the interconnection between globalisation and higher education in Mauritius. Thirdly, it also focuses the challenges facing the higher education institutions and policies in Mauritius in this globalised era. For the purpose of this study, both primary and secondary data have been collected. A qualitative research has been privileged, whereby semi-structured interviews have been carried out mainly with the higher education policy makers and professional. In this age of globalisation, the landscape of higher education across the world is in the midst of massive economic, financial and technological change. Mauritius cannot be isolated from the globalisation process, has no options but to take advantage of the process and adapt itself as an island state to its challenges. The main findings of this study have shown that the globalisation process is reshaping the higher education institutions. Since turning Mauritius into a knowledge hub is of key importance in this globalised era, various issues such as building a strong university sector and world class institutions, investing in research and development, creating a highly-skilled environment for transferring knowledge between the university sector and business, the use of technology, internationalisation of tertiary education and regional partnerships have been addressed.