Towards More Effective Strategic Performance and Efficiency Measures in Portuguese Public Higher Education

In this study, an innovative prospective analysis approach is applied to support the characterisation of strategic performance measures in higher education institutions (HEIs) and to assess their efficiency. To achieve this objective, relevant input and output indicators identified in the literature are systematised and then validated through a field study involving semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and practitioners. Subsequently, a cross-impact matrix is developed, and a prospective analysis is performed using the MICMAC method (Matrix of Cross-Impact Multiplications Applied to Classification). This process enables the identification of the most influential input and output factors shaping the performance of Portuguese HEIs. The resulting strategic input–output prospective map highlights that future strategies should prioritise inputs related to research and development (R&D), the sociocultural environment of HEIs, and internationalisation, particularly in relation to global student mobility. The analysis further shows that outputs associated with regional human capital development and sociocultural dynamics play a critical role, especially through the strengthening of partnerships with regional authorities, municipalities, and companies.