Agreements between the state and higher education institutions – how do they matter for institutional autonomy?

Agreements between national public authorities and higher education institutions serve as a governance instrument in many European countries. In Norway, these agreements are currently undergoing change, the state now invites to propose their own goals parameters agreements. This study seeks understand negotiation process for new assess how expect may affect institutional autonomy practice. The methodology includes analysing documents interviews with key officials expectations of findings indicate that Norwegian have enjoyed both substantive procedural during process. However, it is anticipated will limited impact on practice, except role legitimising internal strategic priorities. As result, this raises concerns contributes deeper understanding instruments governing education.