Imaginative critique

I published Higher Imagination: A Future for Universities in late 2023, and I summarised the key points for The Australian in November. Since then, I’ve received interesting comments on the book from thoughtful readers who’ve taken the time to share their feedback with me. Here’s a selection of the critique.

Studiosity’s Jack Goodman was generous in writing a review on LinkedIn, and inviting me to discuss the ideas behind the book on his podcast. His review offers a pithy summary of the key arguments, and he sees the opportunity for action in response:

Bagshaw’s book is indeed a good ‘provocation,’ and I hope it sparks lots of conversation. Indeed, if I were in charge of a university, I’d buy copies for my entire leadership team – maybe even every member of staff – and use it to open the door to change.

Providing a new perspective on the issues has been welcomed by others too. I received this comment from an experienced senior leader:

I have been meaning to send you a note of thanks for sending me a copy of your book. I read it immediately after receiving it and found it refreshing, inspirational and with a really good balance between on the one hand being aspirational, bold and optimistic on behalf of the wider higher educational sector and on the other hand pointing out some of the areas and issues that the sector urgently needs to address. Very well done!

Part of the challenge of any provocation is offering language or an approach which might put people off. One DVC wrote:

Enjoyed the read – I love me a good manifesto. Not sure I’d use the same language as you in my internal conversations (‘joy’ and ‘inefficiency’ are words my cynical colleagues necessarily would engage with!) but I mostly agree with your sentiments. Especially aligned with the productisation of education chapter. Now just have to figure out how to dodge the slings and arrows and make some of it happen.

The case for joy seems to have resonated with other readers. John Ross wrote about this aspect for Times Higher Education in January.

I’m pleased that the approach of trying to work within the constraints provided to universities has also found fans. One sector commentator said:

“This is really excellent… what is most important is that you ask for institutional cultural change that will honour the underlying purpose of HE, while working within the operating environment that exists… essentially, playing with the cards dealt but playing to the optimal end.”

One astute friend said that they thought I might have held back in the book, and that my private critique of the sector is likely stronger than I presented. This is a fair challenge, and one which reflects the practical realities of trying to make the sector better, however I can, without causing offence. I see a need for new ideas, and think that I’m more likely to get traction through a polite provocation. We shall see.

If you’d like to order a copy, it’s available as an e-book or print-on-demand (e.g. Waterstones, Amazon UK, Booktopia, Amazon Aus). Or, if you really want a signed copy, get in touch. And if you have feedback on the book, I’d love to hear it.