Higher education research in Asia: an archipelago, two continents or merely atomization?

Abstract

This study analyzes higher education research in Asia since the 1980s, based on internationally indexed publication data, focusing on research approaches and themes. The analysis is based on scientometrics, science visualization, and social network analysis measures and methods. We find an increase in the number of higher education publications in both specialized and non-specialized higher education journals, although at a much faster rate in the latter. Based on the results of a community algorithm, research themes were grouped into two research approaches in line with theoretical expectations on the organization of higher education research: (1) teaching and learning approach and (2) policy approach. We found these approaches to have an equivalent representation in both specialized and non-specialized journals, although the system policy theme is found to be highly influential of other themes in specialized journals. However, a scholarship schism between the approaches is evident. Further, in the 1980s, the policy approach was dominant in Asia, while in the 2000s there is greater focus on the teaching and learning approach. A further analysis of eminent researchers of higher education in Asia confirmed the schism and indicated a slight cross-fertilization between higher research approaches, but also found evidence of the isolation/atomization of these scholars.