Purpose

This paper contributes to knowledge on the internationalization of higher education (HE) through presenting a “lived” experience on how to optimize internationalization outcomes through national internationalization policy development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a case study of Zimbabwe to qualitatively chart a strategic focus to internationalization through incorporating the theory of change (ToC) approach to national (government) policy development.

Findings

The paper details the context, challenges, rationales, approaches, priorities and processes that guided IHE policy development in Zimbabwe. It underscores the importance of baseline research and benchmarking in propelling an evidence-based and participatory approach to IHE policy development.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology and framework used here makes it possible to draw comparisons in similar settings in a way that enables a more holistic understanding of the complexities and practicalities of national internationalization policy development.

Practical implications

The study can assist nations to take a strategic approach to guide institutional internationalization responses. In doing so, researchers and HE stakeholders in similar national contexts can learn valuable lessons from the study.

Social implications

Internationalization is increasingly becoming a policy imperative for HE in pursuit of quality as well as fostering sustainable national development (Craciun, 2018). Higher education institutions (HEIs) are recognized as key drivers of sustainable national and international development through the production of quality graduates with “global competencies.”

Originality/value

The study contributes to the growing research interest on strategic approaches to internationalization targeting specific national experiences.

中文翻译：

---

将高等教育国际化作为国家战略重点

目的

本文通过提供有关如何通过国家国际化政策制定优化国际化成果的“活生生”的经验，为高等教育国际化（HE）的知识做出贡献。

设计/方法/方法

本文使用津巴布韦的案例研究，通过将变革理论 (ToC) 方法纳入国家（政府）政策制定，定性地描绘国际化的战略重点。

发现

该文件详细介绍了指导津巴布韦 IHE 政策制定的背景、挑战、理由、方法、优先事项和流程。它强调了基线研究和基准对推动 IHE 政策制定的循证和参与式方法的重要性。

研究限制/影响

这里使用的方法和框架可以在类似环境中进行比较，从而更全面地了解国家国际化政策制定的复杂性和实用性。

实际影响

该研究可以帮助各国采取战略方法来指导机构国际化反应。这样做，在类似国家背景下的研究人员和高等教育利益相关者可以从研究中吸取宝贵的经验教训。

社会影响

国际化正日益成为高等教育追求质量和促进国家可持续发展的一项政策要求（Craciun，2018 年）。通过培养具有“全球能力”的优质毕业生，高等教育机构 (HEIs) 被公认为是可持续的国家和国际发展的关键驱动力。

原创性/价值

该研究有助于提高针对特定国家经验的国际化战略方法的研究兴趣。