A strategic Vision to Develop Research Performance Based on the Transition to a Research University

Abstract

This study aimed at suggesting a strategic vision to develop research performance at the Palestinian universities in the light of requirements for transition to a research university. Researchers used the mixed method. Quantitative data were collected by using a questionnaire that was applied to (339) university instructors and the qualitative data were collected from three focus groups. The study concluded that the estimations of the study participants on the real research performance at the Palestinian universities were of a relative weight (55.28%). Based on the results, the researchers structured a matrix for strategic analysis and a suggested strategic vision that were presented to a focus group of experts (No=7) in educational administration and scientific research to control it. The study recommended the necessity to adopt the strategic vision suggested by the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education and Universities, in addition to the adoption of publicized scientific and administrative policies to support the development of the Palestinian universities and the transformation from traditional universities to research universities.

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“…They argue that there is need for improved administrative systems that promote scientific research development. In the same line of thought, other researchers further highlight the policy environment as a potentially challenging area that universities face when transitioning to being research institutions (Ahmed & Mahmoud, 2017;Al-Saqry and Al-Mutairi, 2021;Tanira & KhalfAlla, 2023). These researchers advocate for flexible institutional frameworks that enables collaborations and policies that foster innovation and patenting.…”

“…In the scholarly discourse on transitioning from heavily teaching to intensive research university, to this end Tanira and KhalfAlla (2023) provide a thorough examination of migrating to research institutions. Tanira and KhalfAlla's (2023) study is essential in understanding complex problems and solutions needed to transform universities into research institutions. Their findings acknowledge universities' research performance discrepancy.…”

“…Their findings acknowledge universities' research performance discrepancy. Political and economic issues that hinder academic freedom and financing may lead to deficiencies in policy application, resulting in a lower ranking in research activeness (Tanira & KhalfAlla, 2023). Thus, institutional autonomy and financial stability are key to research quality (Makhlouf & Al-Bahabh, 2023).…”

“…Additionally, good administration is crucial in becoming a research university. Tanira and KhalfAlla (2023) stress that, research universities need research development control systems and administrative processes. Similar studies have also noted the harmful effects of political restraints on university autonomy and intellectual freedom (Badir, 2020).…”

“…In the context of transitioning to a research university, one could frame this change within the notions of change management, although cautiously -to avoid managerialism. While acknowledging the change management, which may be necessary, Tanira and KhalfAlla (2023) argue that if the transition is to be successful, there is a need to elevate the discourse to an innovative strategic perspective, that is, converting efforts into opportunities and results. In advancing the innovative strategic perspective, some scholars note that one of the challenges that are experienced by universities transitioning to being more research focused is the way in which their funding is restructured (Akkar & Al-Amri, 2022).…”