ANALYSING STRATEGIC PRIORITIES IN UZBEK UNIVERSITIES: THE CAPABILITY GAP IN GOVERNANCE READINESS

Abstract

This article explores the discrepancy between the strategic value that universities place on the ranking-related competencies and how effectively these are being implemented. It involves a structured strategic-lever prioritisation exercise with four universities in Uzbekistan, namely, the New Uzbekistan University, Namangan State Technical University, Nizami State Pedagogical University and the National University of Uzbekistan. The 15 strategic levers were individually assessed for their importance in terms of ranking improvement and level of implementation in the organization. The article builds on the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities and strategic gap analysis to define the term "governance-readiness capability gap": the gap between what an institution perceives as strategically required and what it possesses organisational capacity to implement. The analysis indicates that there are substantive variations between institutional profiles. A major external evaluator dependence is on independently verified data, while a consistent lack of institutional discipline in collecting and submitting data is a weakness across institutions. The article makes the point that setting priorities without an assessment of capabilities can create unrealistic priorities and that treating all gaps as being of equal importance can lower a manager's priorities. A capability-gap approach, on the other hand, can support universities to prioritize investments, make strategic decisions and create different development trajectories.