Institutional Engagement in Internationalisation in Finnish Higher Education

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss motivations for internationalisation and the rationalities of higher education institutions based on the APIKS survey. There are two higher education sectors in Finland. Universities of applied sciences emphasise teaching and have a close connection with regional research, development, and the innovation system. Universities emphasise research and academic competition for research resources, as well as teaching based on research. Therefore, the conditions for internationalisation in these two higher education sectors are based on different sets of factors. There are also significant differences between individual institutions within both sectors. Individuals’ career paths depend on factors related to higher education sectors and institutional strategies. International academic activities determine the factors on which career paths are built in these two higher education sectors. Both pathways lead to internationalising institutions but in different ways.