Context
Hungary's foremost agricultural university aspires to become a regional leader in the fields of agriculture and forestry. To realize this vision, the university identified the enhancement of its position in international rankings as a strategic priority.
Challenge
The most significant challenge to achieving this goal was catalyzing culture change within a newly unified institution comprising five campuses spread across the country, each with distinct scientific strengths and organizational traditions. Harmonizing these diverse elements to boost overall academic performance required innovative and unifying strategies.
Objectives
The primary objective of the project was to increase the university's international competitiveness by optimizing its position in global rankings. Specific goals included:
- Optimizing Data Management: Streamlining data collection, processing, and reporting to ensure accurate and comprehensive submissions to ranking bodies.
- Enhancing Scientific Performance: Providing targeted professional support and incentives to authors, increasing both the quantity and citation rate of the university's publications.
- Strengthening Reputation: Enhancing the university's global standing through strategic institutional networking and partnerships.
The Solution
The project combined the achievement of short-term results (quick fixes and interventions) with a solid foundation for long-term institutional improvements.
Phase One:
- Developed an intervention package to optimize ranking data reporting.
- Introduced a monitoring system to track the university's research activities, promoting transparency and enabling data-driven decision-making.
Phase Two:
- Established an Research Excellence Program to support the most outstanding researchers.
- Identified the top 100 researchers using quantitative metrics and qualitative assessments.
- Provided these researchers with ten tailored forms of support over seven months, designed to maximize their research potential and international visibility.
Change Management:
- Developed a change management action plan to foster a culture of excellence and collaboration.
- Implemented capacity-building programs to unify organizational practices across campuses.
The Impact
Within two years, the university achieved significant advancements:
- Ranking Improvement: Ascended over 100 places in international rankings, reflecting enhanced global recognition.
- Academic Performance:
- Fostered a collaborative research culture, leading to innovative projects and increased publication output.
- Sustainable Growth:
- Established systems and practices that ensure continued improvement in key ranking metrics.
By aligning strategic objectives with targeted interventions, the university not only improved its immediate ranking position but also laid a robust foundation for sustained academic excellence in the fields of agriculture and forestry.