Chapter 11: Strategic Innovation Through Blue Ocean Dimensions: An Empirical Study Among Higher Education Faculty

This study investigates the role of Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS) dimensions in creating sustainable competitive advantage in Indian private higher education institutions (HEIs), specifically from the perspective of faculty members.

A case study design was adopted, analyzing responses from 100 faculty members across various academic departments selected through simple random sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire focusing on BOS dimensions such as value innovation, differentiation, and the Eliminate-Reduce-Raise-Create (ERRC) framework.

The results indicate that BOS dimensions are currently integrated into institutional strategies and have a statistically significant positive impact on achieving sustainable competitive advantage. Core elements such as value innovation and differentiation contribute meaningfully to institutional performance and strategic agility.

This research provides empirical evidence of BOS applicability in higher education, an area where such strategic frameworks are underexplored. It offers practical recommendations for integrating BOS into academic planning, including faculty incentive programs and interdepartmental collaboration to enhance long-term competitiveness.