Exploring the relationship between university internationalization and university autonomy: Toward a theoretical understanding

This paper explores a research gap at the intersection of university internationalization and university autonomy. A process model of university internationalization is put forward whereby the process of university internationalization is mediated by university internationalization capacity and moderated by target country institutional autonomy and globalization; and entry modes, timing and pace, as well as product mix of internationalization define university’s internationalization pattern. A systematic review is conducted to identify empirical studies at this intersection. One of the questions this paper is addressing is whether there is a scope for international business theories in explaining university internationalization or in light of recent findings from successes and failures of university internationalization international business theories ought to be revised?