Transformation of Arab Universities into Research-Intensive Universities: A Proposed Model

Abstract

This current research study aims to develop a proposed model for transforming Arab universities into research-intensive universities. The descriptive research approach is utilized to achieve the research objectives. The research sample consists of (550) university faculty members in Arab universities. A 63-item questionnaire used as a research instrument is distributed to the research sample. The results indicate a high degree of availability of the requirements for academic freedom and university vision, and a medium degree of availability of the remaining requirements. Statistically significant differences are also found among the means of the research sample’s responses regarding the degree of availability of Arab universities’ requirements for research universities due to country variables, academic rank, and number of years of experience in all aspects except research agreements and partnerships. Given said the results, the research study concludes with developing a proposed model to transform Arab universities into research universities together with the university’s vision, mission, objectives, admission policy, university leadership, infrastructure, funding sources, faculty members, students, and evaluation methods.