Institutional Determinants of Readiness for Effective International Interuniversity Research Collaboration: Insights from Makerere University

Abstract

Research Collaboration brings together different sets of talent to produce better research output. Some of the main benefits of International Inter-University Research Collaboration (IIURC) include sharing resources, improved research quality, and increased citations. However, conditions enabling effective IIURCs, particularly in low-income countries, have not been sufficiently studied. Studies point to obstacles such as cultural and ideological differences between collaborative partners, which can act as barriers. These obstacles have resulted in ineffectiveness, unpredictability, and weaknesses in the lines of administration, thus compromising productivity. In this study, Readiness for IIURC was studied as a dimensional construct comprising institutional values and external pressure. The study adopted a concurrent convergent mixed methods research design. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey from 195 academic staff, key informant interviews with eight academic staff, and document review. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics at the univariate level, correlation analysis at the bivariate level, and multiple regression analysis at the multivariate level. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Findings revealed that readiness for collaboration (r = 0.333, p < 0.001) was a statistically significant determinant of effectiveness of IIURCs at Makerere University. It was recommended that Makerere University should develop a framework for research partnership management to guide the development of the IIURC project vision and mission, which should align with the University’s vision and mission. Secondly, research management policies and guidelines should align with institutional values to enhance the consistency and transparency of IIURC research processes. Lastly, this can be achieved by adopting a comprehensive approach that recognises the impact of culture on performance results, which involves integrating best practices from other institutions through the establishment of transparent communication channels.