How to Use a SWOT Analysis to Boost Your University’s International Performance and Impact

If you are a university leader or administrator who wants to expand your institution's global presence and impact, you might be wondering how to develop an effective international strategy that aligns with your mission, vision and goals. One of the first steps you should take is to conduct a SWOT analysis, which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning technique that helps you identify the internal and external factors that affect your organization's performance and potential in the global market.

A SWOT analysis can help you answer the following questions:

● What are the strengths of your university that give you a competitive edge in the international arena? For example, do you have a strong reputation for teaching, research or outreach? Do you have unique programs, facilities or partnerships that attract international students, faculty and collaborators? Do you have a diverse and inclusive campus culture that fosters intercultural learning and engagement?

● What are the weaknesses of your university that limit your international growth and success? For example, do you have gaps in your international curriculum, services or support? Do you have challenges in recruiting, retaining or integrating international students, faculty and staff? Do you have barriers in accessing or securing funding, resources or recognition for your international activities?

● What are the opportunities for your university to enhance your international presence and impact? For example, are there emerging markets, trends or needs that you can tap into or address with your international offerings? Are there potential partners, networks or platforms that you can join or leverage to expand your international reach and influence? Are there new ways to showcase or communicate your international achievements and contributions to the world?

● What are the threats for your university to face in the international environment? For example, are there political, economic or social factors that could affect your international operations or reputation? Are there competitors, challenges or risks that could undermine your international goals or outcomes? Are there ethical, legal or cultural issues that could pose difficulties or conflicts for your international endeavors?

By conducting a SWOT analysis, you can gain a comprehensive and realistic picture of your university's current situation and future potential in the international context. You can also use the results of your SWOT analysis to prioritize your actions and allocate your resources for your international strategy. For instance, you can:

● Build on your strengths to enhance your competitive advantage and differentiation in the global market.

● Address your weaknesses to improve your performance and quality in the international domain.

● Exploit your opportunities to increase your innovation and impact in the global society.

● Mitigate your threats to reduce your vulnerability and uncertainty in the global landscape.

A SWOT analysis is not a one-time exercise, but a continuous process that requires regular review and update. As the world changes rapidly and unpredictably, so should your SWOT analysis and your international strategy. By using a SWOT analysis as a dynamic tool for strategic planning, you can ensure that your university stays relevant, responsive and resilient in the global arena.

To illustrate how a SWOT analysis can be applied to a university international strategy, let us look at these examples from real-life institutions:

● Louisiana State University Agricultural Center is part of a Land Grant Institution whose mission is “TEACHING, RESEARCH & OUTREACH”. Therefore, both the SWOT analysis as well as international strategy need to focus on analyzing and enhancing this mission. For example, TEACHING provides huge opportunities when it comes to international cooperation with other universities, as joint courses, and even joint degrees could be easily achieved. This can be implemented on multiple levels, even in programs targeting professional ongoing education. RESEARCH on another note, can focus on existing international faculty, as well as build on international cooperation in TEACHING.

● The University of Rochester has a mission statement that says: "Learn, Discover, Heal, Create—and Make the World Ever Better”. Some of its strengths include its excellence in sciences, engineering, health sciences, business and music; its innovative connections among education, humanities, social sciences and research; and its leadership position in Rochester and the nation. Some of its weaknesses include its low diversity of students and faculty; its limited global visibility and recognition; and its high tuition costs. Some of its opportunities include its strategic partnerships with Jiao Tong University in Shanghai and other institutions around the world; its interdisciplinary programs that address global challenges; and its alumni network that spans across 150 countries. Some of its threats include the COVID-19 pandemic that affects its international mobility and collaboration; the rising competition from other universities for international talent and funding; and the changing regulations and policies that affect its international operations.