Higher education in Asian countries and the role of international ...

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OECD.Stat Extracts: This database has a selection of datasets, which are drawn from OECD
data repository. It is open source and freely accessible.
Statistics from A to Z - Beta version: This database presents ready-made key tables. Each table
covers selected variables. It is also freely accessible.
OECD.Stat: This is a comprehensive and detailed database with more flexible option to select
and arrange variables according to user‟s need. This is not an open source.
The OECD is pioneer among all IGOs in developing statistical databases in combination with
publishing analytical publications. The OECD publications like OECD Fact and Education at a
Glance presents not only statistical tables on varied types indicators but also analysis,
comparison, commentary and graphical presentation.
OECD Data available on education is not very rich in terms of number of variable as well
number of non-member countries covered: OECD. Stat Extracts presents data on 12 variables
and 30 countries only and even it does not cover all OECD member what to speak non-members.
Likewise Statistics-Beta version presents only eight tables that include only OCED member
economies and countries with Enhanced Engagement. These databases give no data on the other
100 partner countries including 15 Asian, which are working with OECD Directorate of
Education. Likewise, OECD principal publications presenting analysis and commentary, focus
only the OECD members and Enhanced Engagement Countries (OECD, 2010). Consequently
for Asian countries the OECD data on education is not of great use.
Summary
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) comprises of 35 full
member countries and five enhanced engagement countries. The forty member countries of the
Organization account 80% of the world trade and investment and more than half of the world
population. It has also a presence in more than hundred non-member countries as well. OECD is
an intergovernmental organization, intellectual hub and think tank. It also acts as a forum for its
member governments and partners to share their experiences and to work together in order to
study and formulate the best policies for promoting economic and social development. To
achieve its objective OECD has official relations 116 intergovernmental organization (IGOs) and
international bodies including UNESCO and the World Bank. OECD has been working and
cooperating with these international bodies through joint projects.