Higher Education Management and Policy

This article provides a comparative analysis of recent governance reforms in both Finnish and Portuguese higher education institutions (HEIs), following the OECD’s reviews countries’ tertiary systems. While case Finland major problem was identified as being lack entrepreneurialism, Portugal considered to effective, strategic planning well innovative, flexible responsive HEIs. The review teams pointed common issues, despite different country contexts. As they recommended very similar solutions for reforming legal status universities, this encouraged national governments undertake according their specific needs. By pinpointing problems, OECD seen play an important role process its recommendations proved be close ideas new public management.