BENCHMARKING AND INTERNATIONALIZATION STRATEGIES IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES: THE CASE OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION IN PARANÁ

Abstract

The study investigated whether benchmarking practices are present in the internationalization of Unicentro. The objective was to identify, through the interviewees' discourse, strategies and actions related to the strategic management tool used in the university's internationalization process. Adopting a qualitative approach, the research was conducted as a case study, using interviews, observations, and analysis of institutional documents for data collection. Content analysis was employed as the technique for processing the information. The results showed that the benchmarking tool is relevant in the formulation and implementation of internationalization strategies, supporting the identification, acquisition, and implementation of successful actions. However, the research also highlighted the lack of consolidated strategies due to structural and financial limitations, which hinder the continuity of actions. Nevertheless, the study recognizes the institutional effort to strengthen internationalization, emphasizing the importance of strategic management in this process.