It is impossible for higher education institutions (HEI) to ignore different national and international comparisons, since emergence of global rankings. Involvement in rankings changes and in some aspects improves the performance of higher education institutions. Trying to rise their position in the rankings, HEI are seeking ways, how to improve performance in those areas that are measured by the indicators used for rankings of HEI. The purpose of this study is to search for some possible solutions for more effective research work organization at the universities and correct reflection of achieved results to raise their position in university rankings. Research methods used: analysis of scientific publications on university rankings aspects related to different methodologies and indicators; expert survey on university organisation and used ranking indicators. For expert interviews were invited internationally recognized university management representatives and several administrators at universities in different countries. For different aspect evaluations, there was used evaluation scale 1-10, where 1-do not agree and 10-fully agree. Expert evaluations were analysed by descriptive statistics indicators and cross-tabulations. Main results and findings: rankings have significant role in the development of HEI. It is important to define the accessible rankings position in the strategy of HEI. Higher education institutions must determine such goals and results of performance that favour the higher ranking position. For increase of international recognition HEI have to recognise that as well important aspects are the academic and employer reputation surveys in rankings.

More and more attention is being paid to university rankings – for student and financing attraction, and for research and graduate employment of the respective university – the reputation of universities is becoming more and more important. However, it is important to underline, that only approximately 1–3% of the world universities (200–500 universities) are represented in the most popular international rankings. Previous studies confirm that most international rankings focus predominantly on indicators related to the research function of universities. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to search for some possible solutions for more effective research work organisation at the universities and correct reflection of achieved results to raise their position in university rankings. The methods used in this study are scientific publication analysis, investigation of university ranking results with special attention to research organisation at the university and expert interviews and expert survey. Main findings: possible solutions for more effective research work organisation at the universities with aim to raise the position in different university ratings, are innovative encouragement and financial support of academic staff for active scientific publication creation, as well as practical and methodological support in the preparing of high level publication for young scientists. Also significant aspect is support of academic staff for international communication and extensive information on research results.