Beyond Rankings: a Strategy of Healthy Growth or Pursuing Numbers?

In 2023, a number of countries and universities opted out of the rankings game. This webinar sought to understand why by examining both the limitations of rankings, how they can best be utilised, and the motivations behind certain universities and countries opting out of rankings in 2023. It sought to understand the limitations of rankings, how they can be effectively utilised, and the implications for universities focusing on long-term growth rather than quick fixes to enhance their scientific reputation.

During the webinar, we explored the multifaceted effects of AEIs:

• The reasons behind opting out of rankings and the underlying causes
• The limitations of rankings and strategies to use them effectively
• Why the fastest routes to improving scientific reputation might not be ideal for universities
• The impact of rankings on teaching quality and the perception of humanities within university agendas
• Quality assurance as an alternative way of international recognition
• The role of communication in institutional development

The webinar emphasised the importance of looking beyond rankings to prioritise sustainable growth and comprehensive development. Key takeaways included the need for balanced strategies that consider teaching quality and the humanities, the effective use of communication to enhance institutional reputation, and the significance of a long-term, holistic approach to university growth over merely chasing ranking numbers.