From Policy to Practice: The Role of University Leaders in Enhancing Research Internationalisation in Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigates the role of university leaders in fostering researchinternationalisation (RI) in Tanzanian universities. The study employed aqualitative research approach as informed by a case study design. Data werecollected through interviews with 40 senior university leaders, Focus GroupDiscussions (FGDs) with 32 academic staff members, and documentaryreview. The collected data were analysed using the thematic analysistechnique. The findings reveal that leaders use various mechanisms tofoster RI, including motivating and inspiring academic members, mobilisingand managing resources, providing guidance and decision making.Other mechanisms are building research capacity among academic staffmembers, creating a supportive research environment and communicatingon the significance of international collaborative research. It is concludedthat internationalisation through research requires concerted efforts bynumerous education stakeholders, including academics, policy makers,government and senior university leaders. Indeed, it is essential to establishan effective structural and policy-enabling environment for universities toengage in RI.

Key words: education policy, internationalisation, internationalisation ofresearch, Tanzania.