Quality assurance systems: enemies or allies of innovation in higher education institutions?

Purpose This study aims to examine the extant literature to analyze the relationship between quality assurance (QA) and innovation in the higher education context. Design/methodology/approach This study selected 63 articles through a systematic literature review in Scopus and Web of Science database...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Quality assurance in education Vol. 30; no. 1; pp. 1 - 18
Main Authors:	Mello Silva, Mariana Ferreira de, Vargas, Eduardo Raupp de
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Bradford Emerald Publishing Limited 06-01-2022 Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Subjects:	Accountability Barriers College Administration Compliance Compliance (Legal) Correlation Criticism Culture Educational Change Educational Innovation Educational Quality Higher Education Innovations International organizations Literature reviews Organizational Effectiveness Quality Assurance Quality control Quality of education Quality standards Regulation Research Reports Stakeholders Organizational management Quality assurance Innovation Higher education Systematic literature review
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Summary:	Purpose This study aims to examine the extant literature to analyze the relationship between quality assurance (QA) and innovation in the higher education context. Design/methodology/approach This study selected 63 articles through a systematic literature review in Scopus and Web of Science databases and performed a descriptive and thematic synthesis-analysis on the sample. Findings The research identifies several perspectives discussed on QA systems covering experiences, criticisms and practice implications. The literature review shows there is no clear consensus on whether innovation in higher education institutions (HEIs) is fostered or hindered by QA processes. However, it seems that the likelihood of innovativeness and positive QA outcomes are directly linked to how these processes are managed in universities. Research limitations/implications This review highlights the university management concerns that emerge with QA issues as it is not yet clear to what extent innovation is actually promoted in scenarios where QA is applied. Hence, this literature review could be considered comprehensive but not exhaustive. Further studies are recommended to improve the understanding of how HEIs can both innovate and ensure quality at the same time. Originality/value The paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by advancing the opportunities and challenges that HEIs face due to QA system features.
ISSN:	0968-4883 1758-7662
DOI:	10.1108/QAE-09-2020-0116