University research management in European small island states : the case for Cyprus, Iceland and Malta

Abstract

The general aims of this study were twofold. One was of an exploratory nature, to instigate a discussion that brings together two seemingly unrelated concepts, that of smallness (within islands) and that of research management. The second aim was of a comparative nature, to compare the research management structures, challenges and strategies within the national, publicly-funded, flagship universities in three European small island states, namely Cyprus, Iceland and Malta. The specific aim of the study was to ascertain in detail a number of factors that shape university research management within the participant universities. This study adopted a qualitative approach using a case study strategy of inquiry in order to elicit as many detail as possible in a relatively unexplored field. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. It was analysed through a process of thematic analysis and complemented by insights derived from a focus group of independent experts. A number of factors that shape university research management were identified, ranging from factors related to the external context; the internal university context; the research management profession; and resilience factors. The investigation concluded that the national, publicly-funded, flagship university is at the centre of all research and research management aspects in a small island state. It faces challenges from an external context, which are largely uncontrollable, but also struggles against its own hurdles, imposed by history, tradition, location, and legacies to long-ingrained mindsets. This implies that models of university research management imported from abroad may not necessarily fit within a small island context or else they would require adaptation in a unique fashion. Nonetheless, universities and RMAs are not passive in the face of the challenges. They adopt a number of strategies that equip them with resilience and that shape their identity uniquely. This study is the first of its kind to explore research management from the perspective of small islands states. It highlights the relevance of the context towards the way the research management profession is shaped and it will hopefully generate interest into further research in this area.