This introduction outlines the conceptual framework, methodological foundations, and thematic organization of the volume The Shifting Balance of Academic Systems: National, Regional, Global? It situates the work within the broader context of the Academic Profession in the Knowledge-based Society (APIKS) project—one of the most comprehensive international comparative studies of the academic profession to date. Against the backdrop of globalization, digitalization, and evolving governance models, the chapter argues for renewed attention to regional dynamics—the geographical, cultural, and policy-based factors shaping academic work. While converging global trends increasingly influence universities worldwide, persistent regional and national differences in academic roles, governance cultures, and societal expectations remain essential to understanding the diversity of academic experience. The chapter presents the rationale for employing a common international dataset alongside varied conceptual approaches and introduces the volume’s structure—three thematic sections on academic careers, societal engagement, and governance. It also highlights the opportunities and limitations of pre-pandemic data, emphasizing the need for future research to track ongoing transformations driven by artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and shifting geopolitical orders. Ultimately, this introduction establishes a foundation for exploring whether regional contexts mediate global pressures in shaping academic trajectories and institutional change.