Key Features of International University Networks

Abstract

We present results of a study of 27 existing international university networks created in different years and comprising 1,119 member organizations from 117 countries. We have analyzed information both posted on their official websites and publicly available online, as well as annual reports on activities of international university networks, their strategic development plans, texts of partnership agreements, interviews with representatives of network partners and coordinators. We have identified and described the key features of international university networks as a form of inter-university partnership: pre-requisites for establishment, geographical location of partners, types of partner organizations, status of partners, entry barriers for new partners, specialization profiles, financing of activities, management of activities, forms of partner cooperation. We have also analyzed engagement of higher education institutions of different countries in the international university networks, particularly membership of the leading Russian universities in such networks and in other international educational associations. It appears that Russian universities are represented insufficiently in the international university networks. Accession is a challenging task that will require universities to apply considerable efforts, both organizational (overcoming entry barriers, negotiating with networks managers and partners, ensuring a certain level of openness in activities of the university, meeting the network requirements, performing the tasks assigned to network members on time) and financial (entry and annual fees, business traveling). Collaboration with foreign universities through network interaction will promote internationalization and quicker innovation of Russian universities, as well as learning of new working techniques and accumulation of resources and knowledge.