Purpose This study aims to explore how top Indonesian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) progress toward achieving World Class University (WCU) status based on the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Ranking (QS WUR) criteria. Design/methodology/approach The research investigates institutions ranked between 101 and 500 globally in the QS WUR editions from 2024 until 2026. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we conducted panel regression analyses using internal performance indicators as independent variables and supplemented the quantitative findings with interviews involving top-level university administrators. Findings The regression results reveal three key variables that significantly influence overall WCU scores: citations per faculty, employment outcomes, and the faculty-student ratio. The qualitative strand reveals varying degrees of strategic alignment with these variables. Findings highlight that the top five HEIs in Indonesia prioritize citations per faculty member as key enablers of WCU performance. Research limitations/implications Given the qualitative design, this study is limited by the cross-sectional nature of the data. It focuses on the ranking improvement, which can be a result of the previous officer. Another limitation is the study’s use of QS ranking, which some researchers have criticized. However, the QS ranking provides more detail and periodic updates than other university ranking systems. Future research should periodically assess the program’s effectiveness and consider comparing the linearity data across university ranking systems. These findings provide strategic guidance for HEIs and policymakers in emerging economies seeking to compete in global ranking systems. Originality/value It is important that a country has a higher education system that fosters innovation and competitive advantage. Therefore, this study aims to help relevant authorities gain an additional perspective to improve HEI performance in global ranking systems.
Putri et al. (2026) studied this question.