Higher education as a strategic factor for sustainability in higher technological institutes and higher university institutes

Abstract

This study compared the institutional performance of a public Higher Technological Institute (IST) and a private Higher University Institute (ISU) using the balanced scorecard framework, examining five perspectives: students, faculty, academic offerings, infrastructure and employer relations. The findings revealed a significant gap favoring the ISU, which achieved higher indicators across all evaluated dimensions due to its comprehensive management model, highly qualified faculty, diversified academic programs and strong connections with the productive sector. In contrast, the IST showed limitations in infrastructure, research promotion, program diversification and industry linkage, which reduced its ability to meet current external demands. The analysis underscores the importance of strategic planning, research strengthening and sustained institutional investment as key factors for improving technological education quality. It is concluded that the IST requires structural actions to reduce the gap and consolidate a relevant and competitive academic offering.