THE ROLE OF INTERNALISATION IN ENHANCING UZBEKISTAN`S HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR

Internationalisation has become a prime factor of competitiveness in the sphere of higher education, shaping global presence, image and abilities to employ graduates. In the case of emerging economies, it presents an opportunity to enter the global academic communities and be rated in world rankings. The aim of this paper is to address the issue of how the internationalisation enhances the competitiveness of universities in Uzbekistan through the interviews held and by referring to the relevant body representatives of different universities. The results indicate that, as much as Uzbek universities have embraced internationalisation, the challenge in their governance, allocation of resources and language capacity still exist. Internationally affiliated institutions like the Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) and Webster University in Tashkent (WUT) can make use of international networks more efficiently in contrast to nationally based universities, which use strategies based on small steps, including the mobility programmes, and faculty training in foreign countries. The paper supports the view that the current internationalisation in Uzbekistan cannot be considered as a sustainable competitiveness issue unless it is integrated into the processes of teaching, research, and governance in the country.