Making internationalization of higher education a national strategic focus
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
ISSN: 2050-7003
Article publication date: 27 January 2021
Issue publication date: 27 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper contributes to knowledge on the internationalization of higher education (HE) through presenting a “lived” experience on how to optimize internationalization outcomes through national internationalization policy development.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a case study of Zimbabwe to qualitatively chart a strategic focus to internationalization through incorporating the theory of change (ToC) approach to national (government) policy development.
Findings
The paper details the context, challenges, rationales, approaches, priorities and processes that guided IHE policy development in Zimbabwe. It underscores the importance of baseline research and benchmarking in propelling an evidence-based and participatory approach to IHE policy development.
Research limitations/implications
The methodology and framework used here makes it possible to draw comparisons in similar settings in a way that enables a more holistic understanding of the complexities and practicalities of national internationalization policy development.
Practical implications
The study can assist nations to take a strategic approach to guide institutional internationalization responses. In doing so, researchers and HE stakeholders in similar national contexts can learn valuable lessons from the study.
Social implications
Internationalization is increasingly becoming a policy imperative for HE in pursuit of quality as well as fostering sustainable national development (Craciun, 2018). Higher education institutions (HEIs) are recognized as key drivers of sustainable national and international development through the production of quality graduates with “global competencies.”
Originality/value
The study contributes to the growing research interest on strategic approaches to internationalization targeting specific national experiences.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This project was kindly funded by the ESRC Impact Accelerator Account, University of Nottingham; Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary and Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Zimbabwe. Appreciation goes to the leadership and staff from the parent Ministry, staff from ZIMCHE, all Zimbabwean HEIs, the University Registrars, the experts and all the stakeholders for their respective contribution to a worthy cause.
Citation
Garwe, E.C. and Thondhlana, J. (2022), "Making internationalization of higher education a national strategic focus", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 521-538. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-09-2020-0323
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited