Italia, Lettonia e Spagna, «sistemi con tagli continuati all'istruzione universitaria presentano le caratteristiche di profili in via di peggioramento». Un peggioramento che giustifica un bel bollino rosso nell'infografica che riassume l'evoluzione dei finanziamenti pubblici. A suonare il campanello di allarme per l'Italia (e pochi altri paesi) è il Rapporto 2017 del Public Funding Observatory dell'European University Association: «The higher education systems under review follow various long-term funding trajectories over the period 2008-2016. Based on the analysis of the annual funding changes throughout the study period, several groups of systems that follow similar patterns can be identified. Systems such as Austria, Germany or Sweden show sustainable investment patterns, characterised by both significant and sustained funding growth. Other systems feature more limited, slower investment – Denmark, France and the Netherlands are among these. Comparatively few systems have embarked on a recovery pattern, whereby signs of investment can be detected after a period of important cuts, as is for instance the case in Iceland or Portugal. Finally, systems with continued cuts to higher education present characteristics of aggravating patterns (Italy, Latvia and Spain are some examples).» (Fonte: Red.ne Roars 16-01-18)