This study aims to analyze the impact of innovation practices on the performance of Higher
Education Institutions under restrictive resource conditions. In order to do so, the present
study was based on Brazilian experience and had a conceptual model composed of
independent variables (innovation practices in education), moderators (resource constraints)
and dependent variables (metrics to measure HEIs performance). To verify the conceptual
model, the research was divided into two stages. In the first one, the study tried to identify, in
the light of the specialized literature, the innovation practices used in the HEIs, the main
reasons that impede the implementation of the new practices and ways of measuring their
performance. In the second part of the study, it was necessary to group the practices found
(193) by means of clustering, obtaining a set of 11 groups of practices. Next, a consultation
with specialists was carried out to confirm the variables of the conceptual model, as well as to
present the main effects (impacts) of the innovation practices on the performance of the HEIs,
conditioned to the restriction of resources. 81 specialists with knowledge and experience on
the subject researched were selected through technical and scientific criteria. The research
instrument used was based on a questionnaire composed of scalar questions (Likert) from 1
(least impact) to 5 (greater impact) and with some open questions. With a focus on reducing
subjectivity in the results, statistical techniques were applied to assess the internal reliability
of the questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha), comparison of means (Kruskall-wallis and Duncan)
and Spearman's correlation for impact analysis investigated. It was identified, when
disregarded resource constraints, that the most influential practices in the performance of
HEIs are associated with the use of the Internet and mobile devices in the teaching-learning
process. However, when under the influence of resource constraints, there was a greater and
lesser impact on results, and it was possible to highlight the practice associated with the
problem and project approach, with a smaller reduction in performance. It is concluded that
this study presented relevant scores and presents significant implications for educators and
managers, since it can subsidize decision-making processes linked to the implementation of
new practices with the purpose of improving educational performance, especially when
considering the lack of resources in HEIs.
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