Enhancing Internationalization by Labels and Certificates: The Power of Voluntary Policy Instruments

About ten years ago, an innovative instrument was developed to promote internationalization in European higher education institutions— a Certificate for Quality Internationalization (Cequint). The initiative fits well the contemporary governance philosophy that promotes voluntary instruments, individualized approach, and orientation towards transparency instead of control. While labels certificates are becoming popular, their effectiveness is often questioned. In this paper we examine critically value Cequint its potential enhancing . empirical results confirm certified study programs outperform uncertified peers. Partly effect explained by self-selection as internationally inclined more likely apply certificate, but there seems be also significant independent certification process. suggests scheme can support organizational improvement three mechanisms: motivation, self-awareness, expertize.