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Dealing with heterogeneity: An analysis of Spanish universities

Author

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  • Berbegal-Mirabent, Jasmina

    (Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona, Spain))

  • Gil-Doménech, Dolors

    (Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona, Spain))

  • de la Torre, Rocío

    (Public University of Navarra)

Abstract

Universities are highly dependent on regulatory frameworks, the geographical setting as well as on requirements for the creation of the different outputs they pursue. As a result, universities are heterogeneous organizations. This study analyses universities’ heterogeneity in Spain. By using a dataset from the Spanish higher education system, we model the objective function of universities and investigate which factors help explain universities’ performance, in terms of the three missions that they mostly perform (teaching, research and technology transfer). Also, a cluster analysis is performed to categorise Spanish universities. The findings contribute to better understand the different behaviours shown by universities. The findings underline the heterogeneity of Spanish universities: while some universities focus more on formation (teaching) goals, other universities excel at disseminating knowledge through different scientific outputs. The study concludes with a detailed inter- and intra- group analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Berbegal-Mirabent, Jasmina & Gil-Doménech, Dolors & de la Torre, Rocío, 2019. "Dealing with heterogeneity: An analysis of Spanish universities," TEC Empresarial, School of Business, Costa Rica Institute of Technology (ITCR), vol. 13(3), pages 58-77.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:tecemp:1912
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    1. Arias-Valle, María Belén & Berbegal-Mirabent, Jasmina & Marimon-Viadiu, Frederic, 2021. "How do socially responsible universities perform? the case of Spanish universities," TEC Empresarial, School of Business, Costa Rica Institute of Technology (ITCR), vol. 15(3), pages 63-82.
    2. Horváth, Krisztina & Berbegal-Mirabent, Jasmina, 2022. "The role of universities on the consolidation of knowledge-based sectors: A spatial econometric analysis of KIBS formation rates in Spanish regions," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).

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