This challenge to public education - which is a $6 trillion global activity - is focused on, achieving market-share, technology and the capture of intellectual property. In addition, the application of private-sector management models (sometimes referred to as New Public Management) on educational institutions (schools, colleges and universities) and the undermining of the employment conditions in the education sector, the privatization of provision and the expansion of "low-fee" private schools, and the intrusion of for-profit motives or business interests in the governance of education institutions are all part of this development. Companies like Pearson, McGraw Hill, Google, Microsoft as well as philanthro-capitalist organizations like the Gates Foundation, Chan-Zuckerberg, World Bank - have themselves as influential policy actors within public bodies like the OECD and are shaping a global educational agenda. Within nations and education ministries, these organizations are increasing their influence through the formal and informal processes known as network governance - further undermining the role of the public in decision-making and policy formation. Though they generally claim to have humane motives, they still report to profit driven investors resulting in a dichotomy between the vision for the optimal education system and the optimal revenue generating product.
Suggested Reading:
Are profit-making academies the future of education? The Guardian, July 4th 2011.