This does not mean that it will disappear in the near future. To the contrary, resistance to its passing will increase as the far-reaching implications of the convergence of education, technology, and the market become clear. Furthermore, basic research and education whose practical value is not immediately evident should continue to be supported. But this important work can continue only if additional revenue streams are created. The cost of producing and distributing high-quality online education is prohibitive for most colleges and universities.
Competitors have to learn how to cooperate.
Educational institutions must simultaneously enter into alliances among themselves and form partnerships with businesses, which can provide necessary technical assistance and adequate financial backing. In many cases, deliberative processes will have to be streamlined and decision-making responsibility delegated to individuals with the necessary expertise. This will inevitably result in the decline of on-campus faculty power. Growing pressures will result in the erosion of tenure. But tenure will also be compromised by a new era of 'free agency' in which outstanding faculty will maintain minimal affiliation with established educational institutions.