Creating a competitive advantage in Higher Education Institutions: proposal and test of a conceptual model

The present research aims to propose and test a conceptual model that explains the process of identification of competitive advantages in a Higher Education Institution (HEI). The paper identified the players connected to these institutions and the internal and external factors that create competitive advantage in a HEI. A case study of a HEI is analysed. The main contribution of this study is the adaptation of three theoretical approaches of the business strategy field to the higher education sector. The findings show evidence that, to be competitive, a HEI should have a stronger connection between resources, territory, and stakeholders.