How to enhance quality of higher education research by implementing a network of higher education researchers

The paper sheds a light on the establishment of a national network of higher education research in Austria (henceforth NHERA) focussing on its contribution towards quality enhancement in national higher education research. Through the theoretical lens of the functions and missions of academic associations on the one hand and the theory of quality culture on the other hand, we explore the potentials of nation-al network building for professionalization and innovation in HE studies. Based on this theoretical frame-work, we analyse the actual steps of establishment of NHERA and their (potential) impact. This helps to gain knowledge of the so far reached aims as well as further potential and necessary network shaping to foster its role as agent of national HE research and development.