How human resource quality and international publications affect revenue from research activities: Evidence from Southern Vietnamese Universities
Main Article Content
Abstract
Purpose – This study examines the relationship between human resource quality, international publications, and research revenue in universities in Southern Vietnam, addressing the need to identify which internal capacity factors drive research income beyond tuition.
Design/methodology/approach – We employ the Robust Least Squares regression method to examine an unbalanced panel comprising 39 universities in Southern Vietnam from 2017 to 2023.
Findings – The results show that the proportion of faculty with PhDs has the strongest positive impact on research revenue compared to other degree groups, consistent with the Triple Helix theory on the role of high-quality human capital in the innovation ecosystem. Conversely, the proportion of faculty with Master's degrees has a negative impact, reflecting a tendency to focus on teaching rather than revenue-generating research. Finally, a non-linear, U-shaped relationship exists between international publications and research revenue, with a turning point at 145 articles, indicating that academic reputation from publications can be converted into revenue only when a threshold is reached.
Originality/value – This is the first study to jointly examine human resource quality, international publications, and research revenue among Vietnamese universities.
Practical implications – The findings also highlight the need for greater financial transparency and accountability in Vietnamese higher education, including standardized reporting, public disclosure, and independent audits. The study's results support educational managers in developing policies to sustainably increase revenue from research activities.
Social implications – By clarifying the internal capacity factors that drive research revenue, this study offers guidance for policymakers seeking to reduce universities' dependence on tuition fees, thereby supporting more equitable and sustainable access to higher education. Strengthening research income also has broader implications for the quality of teaching staff and the contribution of universities to national innovation and socio-economic development.
Keywords
International publications; Quality of human resources; Research revenue; Universities; Vietnam
Article Details
Field of Economic (JEL Codes)
A20 - General - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics, I21 - Analysis of Education - I22 - Educational Finance • Financial Aid - Education and Research Institutions
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