Humanizing Innovation: Opportunities and Challenges on Utilizing Phenomenological Method for Impactful WURI Narratives at the University of Cagayan Valley

Abstract

In the evolving landscape of global higher education, universities are increasingly evaluated on their real-world impact and social responsibility rather than traditional academic metrics alone. The University of Cagayan Valley (UCV) aims to align its innovative initiatives with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, to demonstrate its commitment to quality education and global citizenship. However, a significant research gap exists in understanding how to effectively "humanize" institutional narratives for global ranking systems like the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) using qualitative frameworks.

This study utilized a systematic phenomenological approach grounded in the Identifying Personal Experience Themes (PETs) framework to capture the "unique essence" of stakeholder experiences. The methodology proceeded through three phases: (1) preparation and data immersion to ensure idiographic integrity; (2) systematic line-by-line coding across descriptive, linguistic, and conceptual levels; and (3) thematic synthesis to identify collective institutional patterns. Data were collected from various UCV stakeholders, including administrators, narrative writers, and faculty participants.

The findings revealed four primary thematic clusters: Global-Local Synergy, Methodological Rigor and Humanized Data, Relational and Identity Transformation, and Purpose-Driven Social Impact. Stakeholders described innovation at UCV as a transformative journey that facilitates a "professional metamorphosis" from local actors to global collaborators. While the PETs framework provided deeper insights and institutional differentiation, it also presented challenges such as high temporal demands and the cognitive burden of shifting from descriptive to conceptual analysis.

The study concludes that the PETs framework is a powerful tool for validating institutional claims of innovation and social impact. By scaling individual grassroots experiences into "institutional truths," UCV can provide the human-centric evidence that traditional quantitative metrics lack. This strategic alignment of "humanized" data with global innovation standards not only secures international validation but also fosters a cohesive institutional identity dedicated to societal transformation.