Quality is a journey, not a destination

Nunzio Quacquarelli, QS founder and president, in an exclusive interview with The New Nation conducted by Mohammad Fakhrul Islam, Assistant Professor at Stamford University Bangladesh, said evidence-based reforms, digital transformation, stronger international partnerships and greater research visibility are essential for Bangladeshi universities to enhance their global competitiveness.

The interview was taken during the QS Higher Education Summit: Europe 2026 at the Budapest Congress Centre, shortly after the release of the QS World University Rankings 2027 on 18 June 2026.

Mohammad Fakhrul Islam: How do you interpret the latest QS World University Rankings in terms of global higher education trends, particularly with the growing participation of universities from emerging economies?

Nunzio Quacquarelli: The latest rankings show that higher education is becoming increasingly global and competitive.

Universities in emerging economies, particularly across Asia and parts of the Global South, are making notable progress through greater investment in research, graduate employability and international collaboration.

Universities are also being assessed more rigorously on outcomes rather than inputs. QS applies the same core indicators worldwide rather than adapting its methodology for individual countries.

Therefore, when institutions from emerging economies improve within that common framework, it demonstrates genuine progress towards global standards.

Mohammad Fakhrul Islam: What reforms should universities in emerging economies prioritise to strengthen their international competitiveness?

Nunzio Quacquarelli: It is difficult to prescribe a single model because every country has different priorities and circumstances. However, several common principles apply.

First, institutions and governments should place greater emphasis on measurement. Without reliable data, meaningful improvement is difficult.

Evidence-based decision-making should guide institutional strategies.

Second, digital transformation is becoming essential. With student numbers continuing to grow, online and blended learning will play an increasingly important role in expanding access.

Third, universities should strengthen graduate employability by aligning academic programmes with labour market needs, particularly in areas such as digital skills, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Mohammad Fakhrul Islam: Could you provide an example of how these principles have been applied?

Nunzio Quacquarelli: India offers a useful example. Following the introduction of the National Education Policy 2020, considerable attention was given to measuring institutional performance and accelerating reform.

Performance indicators and benchmarking helped universities focus on measurable outcomes.

Digital transformation also became a priority, given the scale of India’s higher education system.

At the same time, universities placed greater emphasis on ensuring that curricula reflected changing workforce requirements.

Mohammad Fakhrul Islam: How would you compare mid-sized systems such as Hungary with emerging systems like Bangladesh?

Nunzio Quacquarelli: Mid-sized European systems generally benefit from stronger infrastructure, established quality assurance mechanisms and closer integration with the European Higher Education Area.

Emerging systems such as Bangladesh have made rapid progress in expanding access and teaching capacity, although challenges remain in research funding, international collaboration and global visibility.

Encouragingly, both are moving in a similar direction by focusing on employability, digital learning and international partnerships.

In some cases, emerging institutions are advancing more quickly because they are more agile and reform-oriented.

Mohammad Fakhrul Islam: Many universities in developing countries struggle with institutional data management.

How can they address this challenge?
Nunzio Quacquarelli: Most universities already possess much of the information needed to evaluate their performance.

The challenge is usually organising, analysing and using that data effectively rather than collecting it.

QS supports institutions through training programmes and analytical platforms, but every university can establish a foundation for evidence-based decision-making by improving its internal data systems.

Mohammad Fakhrul Islam: What advice would you offer Bangladeshi universities seeking to improve their global standing?

Nunzio Quacquarelli: I would emphasise three priorities. First, expand international research collaborations and strategic partnerships.

Second, continue attracting international students, academics and researchers, as greater diversity enhances both academic quality and global reputation.

Third, increase the international visibility of research through publications, conferences and participation in global academic networks.

Bangladeshi universities already possess many of the foundations for success. The next step is to translate those strengths into greater international recognition.

Mohammad Fakhrul Islam: Do publications and citations carry the same weight in developing research systems as they do in more established ones?
Nunzio Quacquarelli: Yes. QS applies the same methodology globally and does not adjust its indicators according to a country’s level of development.

Research impact is measured through Citations per Faculty, which assesses influence rather than the sheer volume of publications.

For emerging countries, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Although research infrastructure may be limited, a relatively small number of high-quality, internationally collaborative publications can substantially improve institutional visibility and ranking performance.

Mohammad Fakhrul Islam: Finally, what is your key message to universities in Bangladesh?

Nunzio Quacquarelli: My message is simple: build on your existing strengths while maintaining a global outlook. Strong links with industry are a valuable asset, but universities should also invest more in international collaboration and enhance their global visibility.

The institutions that will succeed in the future are those that remain locally relevant while becoming globally connected. Quality is a journey, not a destination.

Mohammad Fakhrul Islam: Thank you for your time and valuable insights. It has been a pleasure speaking with you during the summit.