Internationalization Through Innovation Performance: Basis for Framework Development for a Higher Education Institution in Laguna

Abstract ―​

This study examined the perceived levels of internationalization efforts and innovation performance at San Pablo Colleges (SPC), a private higher education institution in Laguna, Philippines, with the objective of validating an Internationalization-Innovation Model and developing a Blueprint as a strategic guide for HEIs. Employing a mixed-methods developmental research design, the study involved 108 participants—50 administrators and staff and 58 faculty members—via total enumeration sampling. Quantitative data were gathered via a validated survey instrument (Cronbach's alpha = 0.972) and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with six purposively selected internationalization experts, analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that SPC demonstrated a Ready level of internationalization readiness (M = 3.18) with a High Extent of Understanding (M = 3.21). Innovation performance was at a Moderate Level overall (M = 3.10), with Teaching and Learning Innovation highest (M = 3.22), followed by Technology and Governance Innovation (M = 3.06), and Social-Ecological Innovation (M = 3.02). Pearson correlation confirmed a strong, significant positive relationship between innovation performance and both internationalization readiness (r = .758, p < .01) and extent of understanding (r = .748, p < .01), leading to rejection of the null hypothesis. Qualitative validation yielded six themes supporting the Internationalization-Innovation Wheel Model, while five thematic pillars grounded the Blueprint: values-oriented governance, globally aligned curriculum, accessible mobility and exchange, strategic collaboration and research, and institutional support and innovation. The proposed Wheel Model and Blueprint were rated as Very Acceptable by validators (M = 3.92), affirming their strategic relevance, operational coherence, and applicability for HEIs pursuing innovation-driven internationalization.