Abstract
In recent decades, international branch campuses (IBCs) have evolved from teaching-focused entities to increasingly research-active institutions, enhancing their global prestige and local engagement. Sino-foreign collaborative universities (SFCUs), a distinctive subset of IBCs in China, exemplify this shift, operating under unique partnership models with Chinese institutions. This study investigates how SFCUs develop and position their research activities within the dual contexts of global academic standards and China's stratified higher education system. Using data from SciVal (2014-2023), we analyze research output, disciplinary profiles, research impact, collaboration patterns, and funding sources for ten SFCUs, comparing their performance with Project 985 and 211 universities.
Findings reveal that while SFCUs produce smaller publication volumes than established Chinese universities, they achieve comparable or superior research quality, as measured by citations and high-impact publications. SFCUs exhibit distinct disciplinary profiles, with STEM-focused and comprehensive universities emerging as two primary institutional models. Their collaboration patterns highlight strong international partnerships (often exceeding 60% of outputs) and growing integration with domestic institutions, particularly the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Funding analysis shows varied strategies, from dual-country support to regional funding concentration, reflecting strategic alignment with both global and local priorities.
This study demonstrates that SFCUs leverage their dual identity as a resource for institutional differentiation, balancing global integration with local responsiveness. By analyzing their strategic research choices, this paper contributes to understanding how newcomer institutions navigate hierarchical academic systems, offering insights for policymakers and institutional leaders in cross-border higher education.
Findings reveal that while SFCUs produce smaller publication volumes than established Chinese universities, they achieve comparable or superior research quality, as measured by citations and high-impact publications. SFCUs exhibit distinct disciplinary profiles, with STEM-focused and comprehensive universities emerging as two primary institutional models. Their collaboration patterns highlight strong international partnerships (often exceeding 60% of outputs) and growing integration with domestic institutions, particularly the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Funding analysis shows varied strategies, from dual-country support to regional funding concentration, reflecting strategic alignment with both global and local priorities.
This study demonstrates that SFCUs leverage their dual identity as a resource for institutional differentiation, balancing global integration with local responsiveness. By analyzing their strategic research choices, this paper contributes to understanding how newcomer institutions navigate hierarchical academic systems, offering insights for policymakers and institutional leaders in cross-border higher education.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 29 Apr 2025 |
| Event | Conference for Higher Education Research – Hong Kong 2025: The Quest for Internationalisation of Higher Education: Comparative Perspectives and International Experiences - Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China Duration: 29 Apr 2025 → 30 Apr 2025 |
Conference
| Conference | Conference for Higher Education Research – Hong Kong 2025: The Quest for Internationalisation of Higher Education: Comparative Perspectives and International Experiences |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | CHER 2025 |
| Country/Territory | Hong Kong, China |
| Period | 29/04/25 → 30/04/25 |