Building Stronger Bridges Between Equity and Evidence in Higher Education

Abstract

Innovation and evidence are two pillars of progress in higher education, particularly as institutions and policymakers strive for equitable outcomes. Recent policy shifts in Australia, such as the Australian Universities Accord, have intensified the focus on equity. However, without sufficient evidence, the pursuit towards improvement can lead to inefficiencies and compound existing shortcomings. This article examines the challenges and opportunities to understanding the impact of equity-focused initiatives in higher education. It discusses the role of experimental and theory-based approaches in impact evaluation, the importance of integrating evaluation practices into innovation, and the potential for broader collaboration to build an evidence base that supports effective change. --- Building stronger bridges between equity and evidence in higher education by Patricia Vermillion Peirce is licensed under CC BY 4.0