Ecctis was commissioned by the British Council to undertake a study identifying what MRQs are, why countries seek to develop them and how they are developed. The broad objective of the study is to increase understanding of the MRQ landscape, and the processes involved.

As well as general research into MRQs, specific research activities were focused on two groups of countries:

• Those which have successfully signed an MRQ (or some level of agreement) with the UK: China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru and Spain
• Other countries of interest without a formal agreement with the UK: Indonesia, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.

The project research was designed to achieve the objectives of the client, specifically:

• To increase stakeholder understanding of the different types of MRQs
• To provide understanding of MRQ agreements which specifically involve the UK
• To increase understanding of the stages, processes and timeframes involved in the development and implementation of MRQs.

The research findings support the British Council and the UK Government (HMG) in their understanding of MRQ agreements, the formats and types, the drivers and the processes involved in their development.

These findings are also intended to support the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships initiative, the aim of which is to enable the delivery of UK qualifications in international sectors.

The project research activities were centred around a series of broad research questions (RQs), carefully aligned with the project objectives:

• What are the different types of MRQs?
• Which organisations are involved in negotiating and implementing MRQs?
• What are the stages, processes, and timeframes involved in MRQs?
• What are the contributions of MRQs and motivations for developing them?
• What are the similarities and differences between in-country MRQs, key recommendations and risks associated with developing and implementing MRQs?
• How have recent MRQs evolved to include the digital revolution?

Ecctis developed a bespoke methodological approach, employing a combination of desk-based and primary research in order to obtain comprehensive and detailed MRQ data. Research activities comprised of policy and regulatory research and stakeholder engagement, which facilitated the collation of various MRQ definitions (e.g., MoU/MRA/Treaty-level agreements), stakeholder motivations for setting MRQs (e.g., validation of cross-border qualifications, aligned goals, student mobility and skills workforce), the risks and challenges associated with developing and implementing MRQs, and real-world experiences.

Two rounds of interviews were conducted with stakeholders who had experience and expertise in the field of MRQs. The interviewees can be organised into four broad categories based on job titles: Education Director, International Education Lead, Project and Research Manager, and Advisor and Researcher.

The findings of the desk-based research determined the content for the first round of interview questions. Subsequently, the questions used in the second round of interviews were influenced by the experiences of the in-country experts, with MRQ or internationalisation expertise, arising from the first round of interviews.

The findings from both rounds of interviews were analysed thematically, in conjunction with a variety of other analysis techniques:

• The responses from the first round of interviews underwent a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
• The responses from the second round of interviews underwent a PESTLE analysis (Political, Environmental, Social, Technical, Law, Economic)
• After the PESTLE analysis, a further SWOT analysis was applied to each thematic area of the PESTLE identified from the second set of responses.

This strategic model of stakeholder engagement facilitated the gathering of real-world experiences. The comprehensive analysis process also facilitated the identification of a range of over-arching strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats applicable to the building, development and implementation of MRQs in the targeted stakeholder countries.

Surveys were targeted towards stakeholders based in countries where there were no MRQs in place with the UK (Indonesia, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam). In particular, the surveys addressed stakeholders working within a variety of organisations, including international organisations, government bodies, and higher education institutions.

The aim of the survey was to determine stakeholder understanding and interest in MRQ development and implementation within the context of their country.

The survey findings indicate that respondents in participating countries believe entering into an MRQ would be beneficial for:

• Increasing internationalisation
• Supporting economic growth
• Enhancing quality assurance processes.

Ecctis presented the findings of the project research in a final report featuring engaging visuals, illustrations and infographics to articulate what an MRQ agreement is, the motivations for countries to develop them, and the process involved in developing recognition agreements, indicating the stages and key organisations involved.

As well as findings pertaining to the initial objectives of the project, the final report also features the following insights:

• Current stakeholder perceptions and understanding of the MRQ development process
• In-country stakeholder appetite for future MRQs
• A visual roadmap comprehensively outlining the processes, potential and reported roadblocks for developing an MRQ
• A visual timeline demonstrating the time involved in each stage of MRQ development and implementation, informed by stakeholder identification of the estimated and actual development time
• A section dedicated to the international education policy setting, where interviewees outlined the global collaborators involved during the development and implementation stages of their country’s MRQ with the UK
• A section dedicated to the digital revolution, in which stakeholders detailed the use of emerging technologies in education, quality assurance, the development and implementation of MRQs
• Action points and recommendations to encourage productive mutual policy dialogues when establishing and implementing an MRQ, for those in the UK and partner countries.

In line with the initial objectives of the project, the dissemination of the research findings contribute towards:

• Enabling the mobilisation and internationalisation strategies between countries and allow for formal qualification recognition processes
• Supporting facilitation of international exchange programmes, mobility of students, researchers, and skilled workers
• Academic and scientific progress, opening the door for international collaborations, economic growth, and cultural exchange
• Supporting the establishment of pathways for Government-to-Government MoUs (Memoranda of Understanding), agreements for Mutual Recognition of Qualifications and Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications
• Supporting the development of MRQs to connect the UK’s International Education Strategy with the International Research and Innovation Strategy and Industrial Strategy, supporting cross departmental collaboration across UK HMG.

A full report for this study is available on the British Council research and insight page.

Get in touch with our Consultancy team