Higher Education Policy and Objectives Based on Development Plans

As a country prioritizing development and economic growth, Türkiye needs to set policies and targets for the development of human capital. To be able to do this, it is necessary to start with the analysis of the higher education (HE) policies and objectives in the development plans that have been prepared since the beginning of the planned development period. Aiming to determine HE policies and objectives on the basis of development plans, this study is expected to contribute to the field by guiding HE policymakers and quality system practitioners in Türkiye. Focusing on the HE policies and objectives in 11 development plans prepared in Türkiye from 1963 to 2019, the study was designed as a document review, following the qualitative research paradigm. The data obtained in the research were analyzed by applying the content analysis technique. During the analysis of the data, first of all, the development plans were subjected to content analysis, and the results related to the HE policies and targets were then identified and interpreted. The research revealed five themes related to the policies and objectives in the development plans (development of HE, support in HE, planning in HE, cooperation in HE, and financing of HE). Some policies and targets in the development plans were found to recur frequently. It was also observed that the dominant philosophical paradigm of the period was followed in the preparation of the plans, with no paradigmatic blindness. Based on the findings, decision-makers are suggested to adhere to the policies and objectives determined in the development plans, and researchers are suggested o conduct research by analyzing the development plans and the National Education Council decisions together.