Building local research capacity in higher education: a conceptual model

Lee, J. T. and Kuzhabekova, A. (2019) Building local research capacity in higher education: a conceptual model. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 41(3), pp. 342-357. (doi: 10.1080/1360080X.2019.1596867)

Abstract

Building local research capacity is an enduring challenge that confronts many higher education systems particularly when aspirations for a knowledge economy dominate policymaking. While research capacity has received tremendous attention among international development agencies and scholars, the discourse is largely oriented towards infrastructure, skills training and best practices. This study interrogates the concept of local research capacity building as a dynamic process. By contrasting the policy rhetoric with the lived experiences of academics based in Kazakhstan, we propose a conceptual model to illustrate the diverse levels of research capacity building: resources, locality, relevance, human capital and culture. This study examines research capacity building in the context of the internationalisation of higher education as researchers become increasingly mobile. We argue that investing in infrastructure and human capital are insufficient for capacity building. Rather, sustainable capacity building requires research that is relevant to the local context and a cultural environment that can nurture a vibrant research community.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan [4361Гф415ОТ].
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lee, Dr Jack
• Authors: Lee, J. T., and Kuzhabekova, A.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Journal Name: Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management
• Publisher: Routledge (Taylor & Francis)
• ISSN: 1360-080X
• ISSN (Online): 1469-9508
• Published Online: 27 March 2019