Despite its age, the PNG university system is not yet mature. The challenges regarding the quantity and reliability of its funding, and recent legislative changes have not made things better. Efforts to create a solid governance structure, and develop the PNG University of Technology despite its financial constraints and difficult operating environment, contain many lessons for universities in developing countries. Internationalisation – engagement with Australian and other foreign universities – has been a critical key to unlocking Unitech’s potential.

Dr Albert Schram has been Vice-Chancellor of PNG’s University of Technology since 2012 (and his term was recently renewed until 2020). In 1994, Dr. Schram received his doctorate in economic history from the European University Institute (EUI). His long standing research interest is the impact of large technological systems on development, strategic management in higher education, and corporate social responsibility. From 2007, he has taken up executive roles in leading higher education institutions in Europe and the Pacific and in 2015-2016, Dr Schram is Co-Chair of the Pacific Islands University Research Network PIURN.

The seminar was co-hosted with the Pacific Institute. It was presented as part of the Development Policy Centre’s PNG Project, which receives funding from the Australian Aid Program through the Pacific Governance and Leadership Precinct.