ABSTRACT
Almost all analyses agree that the coming years will see a far-reaching shift in the global economic balance of power. Whereas in past decades the US and Europe were the most powerful economies, it is clear that Asia, led by China, will outstrip the two old power blocks. It is also clear that South America, and perhaps also Africa, will play a meaningful role on the global economic stage. Throughout their long history, universities have been deeply dependent upon the level of prosperity. A rise would often mean that the university expanded, whereas economic decline would result in contraction, particularly in higher education. The global knowledge landscape will thus change radically in the coming decades as a result of these shifts.
