The IIEP, in collaboration with the International Institute for Education Policy, Planning and Management (EPPM), Tbilisi, organized a policy forum in April 2002 in Tbilisi. The major objective of the policy forum was to initiate discussion on the growth of the private sector and its implications for the management of higher education. The papers prepared, based on research studies, formed the basis for all discussions. The IIEP prepared a theme paper which provided an overview of trends in the growth and expansion of private institutions of higher education in differing contexts. The policy forum provided an opportunity for policy-makers and professionals to exchange views and develop a common understanding of problems and prospects of the emerging private sector. Around 30 policy-makers and researchers from such countries as Bangladesh, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan participated in the forum. The papers contained in this volume were prepared for the policy forum and are based on the research carried out by the scholars under the framework of the research and study programmes of the IIEP.
