The demand for a top-level review of higher education has gained momentum after the proposal was backed by senior academics.
A new survey of 175 key figures at third level says the absence of a national strategy for the sector is damaging its prospects in the face of increasing global competition.
In a surprise finding, some 60 per cent of those surveyed say the research carried out in Irish institutions is "not yet of a quality that compares well with the world's leading knowledge economies".
Those surveyed as part of the new report from Prospectus Consulting include heads of universities, research centres and Government departments. Some 86 per cent believe an overall national strategy for the sector needs to be developed, without delay.
The last comprehensive review of the Irish third-level sector was the landmark Organisation or Economic Co-operation and Development review in 2003. This called for a quantum leap in Government spending on the sector and the return of college fees.
In the new survey, 84 per cent feel that the sector is underfunded and more than 80 per cent agree that structural reform of higher education is necessary.
Despite the advent of free fees, two-thirds of respondents feel that third-level education is not accessible to students from poorer backgrounds; nor do they feel it is meeting the needs of Ireland's multicultural population.
Sixty-four per cent believe that international rankings are highly relevant to the reputations of Irish colleges. Recent rankings from the Times Higher Education Supplement showed dramatic improvements in the world rankings of Trinity, UCD and other Irish universities.
Despite this, fewer than half of those surveyed by prospectus (47 per cent) feel these rankings are a valid measure of quality.
The main findings include:
develop a clear roadmap for higher education, that sets Ireland apart internationally and contributes to economic, social and cultural goals;
establish a higher education leadership and management institute to build the leadership capacities in higher education;
put governance structures in place that give institutions freedom and flexibility to develop;
invest significantly and create an environment where institutions can develop more diverse sources of income.
Despite record investment in research through initiatives such as the Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions Ireland, 82 per cent believe that Irish research is underfunded.
Most (95 per cent) consider that the quality of management within institutions is critical in guaranteeing their future position.
The full survey is available at www.prospectus.ie
