Comparing priorities, strategies, activities and services with peers (national or international) helps identify strengths and weaknesses for the HEI’s self-improvement. Comparison exercises can be challenging as common indicators need to be in place, otherwise bespoke exercises need to be undertaken which can be costly and time consuming.

The selection of the qualitative and quantitative indicators should be feasible to collect, and data collection should be incorporated into routine activities associated with the entrepreneurial and innovative agenda. Ensuring that the indicators allow for international or national comparison with peers is also of importance.

The HEI should develop a monitoring and evaluation framework that defines the areas of change the institution wishes to measure with relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) assigned, their baseline established, and progress reviewed at key milestones. The results should be reported upon to senior leadership as part of the strategy cycle, and achievements and success should be widely communicated. The results will also help to improve future strategy, policy and new target setting.