Sweden Has Too Many Universities

From The Local:

Less is more when it comes to universities. That at least is the opinion of Anders Flodström, newly appointed University Chancellor at the National Agency for Higher Education (Högskoleverket). Flodström has indicated that he would like to see today’s fourteen state-run universities pared down to a more manageable five.

The physics professor made the short move this summer from the grand surroundings of the Royal Institute of Technology to the rather less salubrious offices of the education agency. But what he may have lost in architectural grandeur he has more than gained in influence—as University Chancellor he is responsible for ensuring that Swedish third level education maintains a high standard.

While Swedish universities remain relatively strong they are no longer among the best in the world, according to Flodström.

Stronger constellations are required if Swedish institutions are to produce professionals and researchers capable of competing with those in the United States or emerging nations such as China. Universities in Denmark and Finland have already begun moving in this direction, he noted.

I second that. During the past two decades, socialist governments have used higher education as a method for lowering the rate of unemployment. Creating new universities was part of this strategy. The result is that the quality of education is at an all time low. If nothing is done about this, Sweden will suffer in the future while gifted students seek education abroad.