Bringing the Market in, Letting the Science out. Neoliberal Educational Reform in Romania.

The “factory” logic and the focus on career-driven, market oriented neoliberal policies in higher education have dramatically shifted the focus of education and research, as well as altering the fundamental values and tenets of traditional academic life. In our paper we will try to explore the impact of neoliberal reforms in higher education in a post-communist country – Romania. Therefore, we are trying to answer a number of research questions: what are the main characteristics of neoliberal ideology? How are they reflected in policy decisions throughout the world, particularly in the higher education area? In this context, what is the impact of neoliberal policies and practices for the Romanian higher education system?