Research into the outcomes of tertiary education and training can contribute to a strong evidence base for policy development.

With this in mind, five new research priorities have been devised to guide the national research agenda over the next three years. These priorities will set the framework for researchers as they explore tertiary education and training.

The priorities, which were adopted by the Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and Employment last month are:

• Skills and productivity: To investigate how skills contribute to economic growth
• Structures in the tertiary education and training system: To examine the impact of policy, funding and market frameworks on the provision of education and training
• The contribution of education and training to social inclusion: To explore the reduction of disadvantage through education and training
• Learning and teaching: To understand how, why, where and when people learn
• The place and role of vocational education and training (VET): To consider VET’s role in the tertiary education sector, world of work and community

These priorities are based on the results of extensive consultation with stakeholders and on advice rom the National Centre for Vocational Education Research’s (NCVER) Board.

Research undertaken in these areas will support governments and industry in decisions that address key social and economic goals of increasing job opportunities, improving productivity and enhancing social inclusion in Australia.

The priorities will guide future research commissioned under NCVER's National VET Research and Evaluation Program and inform NCVER’s own research activities. They will also inform developments in Australian VET statistical collections conducted on behalf of the Australian, state
and territory governments.

To download a copy of National research priorities for tertiary education and training: 2011-2013, please visit www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2271.html