Conceptual Model of Internationalization of the Entrepreneurial University with an Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach

Internationalization is one of the most important and influential indicators for universities. The purpose of this study was to present a conceptual model of internationalization of the entrepreneurial university with an interpretive structural modeling approach. This research is descriptive-survey in terms of development purpose and qualitative-quantitative method (i.e., mixed method). First, the qualitative method was utilized to achieve an interpretive structural model, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted based on purposive sampling. Seventeen interviews were conducted to get a theoretical saturation according to the work experience and the experts’ level of familiarity with the subject. Qualitative analysis was performed through Atlas T8. By applying coding, the dimensions and components of internationalization of the entrepreneurial university were extracted. Regarding the quantitative method, a researcher-made questionnaire with 45 items with a 5-Point-Likert scale was used to validate the model. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by the convergent and divergent validity method and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha. The questionnaire was distributed to 133 statistical samples in person and online. Quantitative analysis was performed using Smart PLS 3 software. The results of the quantitative method showed that the values of t-statistic for all routes are higher than the absolute value of 1.96 and all identified factors influence the process of internationalization of the entrepreneurial university. Statistics for components such as for environmental factors (2.341), communications (2.583), technology (2.280), human resources (2.671), culture (3.164), government (2.247), management (2.101), education (2.412), financial (2.193) and structure (2.523). Finally, the results showed that the internationalization of the entrepreneurial university leads to increasing the potential for job creation, innovation and competitive advantage in the country.