Management and internationalization of research strategies in higher education institutions as a basis of economic well-being

Abstract

Research and internationalization are the major difficulties confronting most higher education institutions (HEIs) in the region, putting research, innovation, internationalization, and economic and political strain on policymakers. This study is a qualitative and quantitative empirical research of two projects that examines their dominant perceptions and attitudes towards social mobility and internationalization of research strategies in HEIs as a basis of social and economic well-being. The research was conducted at the University of Gjakova “Fehmi Agani” (UFAGJ), through personal interviews and a structured questionnaire, which was carried out by management, academic staff, administrative staff, and students. The results demonstrated that the internationalization of research has a high impact on the increase of the economy and well-being in society. This research presents an analysis of the internationalization strategies employed by the HEIs through two selected projects involving different European and South East European universities. The study is based on a literature review (Almeida, Robson, Morosini, & Baranzeli, 2018; Dewey & Duff, 2009; Levatino, 2017) and the establishment of categories as points of reference and comparison. We look at and compare internationalization strategy focused on international staff and student mobility and internationalization at home (IaH) actions focused on the development of high-quality lectures and sensitive intercultural competencies in students as learning outcomes and strategic goals. Finally, in addition to an ex-post analysis of the ongoing implementation of the internationalization strategy at the UFAGJ, we draw conclusions and lessons learnt for the internationalization and quality of research within HEIs of an emerging economy.