Role of Government in Internationalization of Higher Education in Universities of Medical Sciences of the Country: A Qualitative Research

Abstract

Background & Objective: Internationalization is an active and intelligent reaction to the phenomenon of globalization. Higher education internationalization in universities of medical sciences is a necessity and priority considering the emphasis of the upstream documents, including the sixth development plan, 20-year vision plan and medical education transformation program. Given the complication and various levels of internationalization of higher education from one hand and dependency of universities of medical sciences on the government system from the other hand, this study aimed to determine the role of the government in the higher education internationalization in universities of medical sciences. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative research, the grounded theory method was employed to evaluate content and reviews with experts. The research population included educational management experts and senior executive managers related to the ministry of health and universities of medical sciences. Interviews were conducted with 20 experts through theoretical and targeted sampling method and continued until data saturation. In addition, data analysis was performed using fixed comparative analysis and performing open, axial, and selective stages. Results: According to the grounded theory, the causal factors of the government were recognized with six factors (ministry of health, legal and policy-making units, national documents, national security, language and culture, information technology). On the other hand, strategies of the government and consequences were recognized with seven (policy research, policy-making, legislation, strategic plan, foreign policy, budget, and commercialization of education) and four (scientific, economic, political, and cultural development) factors, respectively. In addition, the relationship between the mentioned factors was presented in the diagram of grounded theory. Conclusion: As a phenomenon with national and transnational consequences, internationalization of higher education of universities of medical sciences requires the role-playing of the government in the implementation of strategies and realization of expected consequences.