Evaluación del impacto de la cooperación internacional en la educación superior en África: El papel clave de la UCM

Abstract

The Erasmus Plus Capacity Building for Synergies, Impact Assessment and Management of International Higher Education Cooperation Funds (IMPACT HE) project, funded by the European Commission, aims to strengthen the capacity of African universities in the management and evaluation of international cooperation projects in higher education. The Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) leads the development of a methodological framework based on the Logical Framework Approach (LFA) and the evaluation criteria of Spanish Cooperation, enabling a rigorous measurement of the institutional and social impact of these projects.

Through self-assessment tools, training for managers and academics, and the development of digital platforms, the project, focused on universities in Kenya and Ethiopia, addresses challenges related to fund management and the evaluation of cooperation outcomes. It highlights the need for indicators that measure not only the impact on beneficiary institutions but also their broader societal effects.

The evaluation model adopted in IMPACT HE promotes a participatory approach, where African universities define indicators and collect data, ensuring sustainability of results and knowledge transfer. UCM is developing tools that will allow these institutions to independently assess the impact of their projects, facilitating strategic decision-making.

This project represents a significant advancement in evaluating international cooperation in higher education, promoting the autonomy of African universities and fostering a more equitable and sustainable collaboration.