Abstract
Objective. This study proposed the conceptual Internationality Index (IdI) and tested its applicability through an empirical IdI-proxy based on available institutional data from the “Dr. Eduardo J. Usunoff” Plain River Hydrology Institute (IHLLA), Argentina (2010–2018). The empirical results reported were based exclusively on an IdI-proxy and did not represent a full operationalization of the theoretical IdI. Therefore, the results should be interpreted as an exploratory institutional assessment.
Design/Methodology/Approach. The study employed a documentary analysis using IHLLA’s annual institutional reports and public data. The IdI was constructed from three subindices: International Education Index (IEI), International Publication Index (IPI), and International Financing Index (IFI). Due to inherent limitations in the available data, the final analysis was based on adjusted budget figures, raw publication counts, and formal foreign degree attainment.
Results/Discussion. A thorough analysis was conducted, which revealed that there was moderate international engagement in the training of research personnel. However, the presence of inconsistent reporting, a paucity of systematic documentation on short-term mobility, and the absence of journal quartile classification constrained a complete longitudinal IdI calculation. The findings of this study underscore the existing gap between the need for robust evaluation tools and the availability of standardized institutional data.
Conclusions. The IdI has been demonstrated to be a viable instrument for longitudinal analysis and strategic decision-making. The effectiveness of this approach is constrained by the inconsistency of institutional reporting. To ensure the effective monitoring and strategic enhancement of international activities, research centers must adopt systematic metrics that accurately capture internationality, particularly in the domains of international short-term training, international financing, and publication quality.
Originality/Value. This study establishes a synoptic measure for internationalization, providing an empirical roadmap for improving research evaluation frameworks within the Ibero-American context.