University Cooperation Research Articles

Entrepreneurial University governance: The case of a Cooperative University

AbstractThis article presents a case study of the Cooperative University of Mondragon to explore the intricate processes through which higher education institutions (HEIs) adopt an entrepreneurial university (EU) framework across their three core missions: teaching, research, and community outreach. Using a qualitative research design, this study examines the organizational strategies that Mondragon University’s engineering faculty (MGEP) employs to embrace entrepreneurial behaviors (EBs), specifically by building on its peculiar cooperative governance model. The findings shed light on how MGEP, as a prominent example, leverages a long-term vision that centers its decision-making processes on entrepreneurship and the management tools and governance elements that favor collective participation and intrinsic motivation. This research advances our understanding of the evolving landscape of higher education and its entrepreneurial drift in the following ways: (1) by addressing the need for further exploration of governance in EUs; (2) by complementing existing studies on the role of university leadership in the adoption of EBs; and (3) by identifying strategies to overcome inherent barriers within large organizations that impede universities from being entrepreneurial. Overall, this study offers practical implications for the adoption of EBs in HEIs.

Game-based learning about the circular economy in building sustainable communities: a case of international and interdisciplinary university collaboration

PurposeThis study aims to enhance integration of game-based learning (GBL) as a tool for conveying intricate circular economy (CE) concepts effectively into international and interdisciplinary higher education collaborations for the development of sustainable communities.Design/methodology/approachA series of game-based workshops by the Circular EELISA Community of the EELISA European University program were examined in terms of their compliance with literature-based GBL characteristics and their international, interdisciplinary and online conduct. An online survey conducted with 17 workshop and/or challenge organizers from four participating universities in different countries revealed expert experiences and perceptions on these points.FindingsIt was found that sensory elements, rewards and game choice enhanced engagement and motivation in all gamification, serious game and storytelling experiences, and that a combination of multiple GBL approaches was more effective than a single-method challenge design. Diversity-friendly collaboration, cooperation and immersion were particularly important when involving culturally and disciplinarily diverse participants.Practical implicationsThis study offers practical recommendations to improve both the performance of GBL-based learning environments in current and future education alliances and collaborations and the potential of GBL approaches to motivate youth to contribute to more sustainable communities across and beyond Europe.Originality/valueThe findings underscore the value of innovative pedagogical methods in shaping environmentally conscious mindsets and practices across institutions of higher education. To that end, this is the first study that investigates GBL in CE education with implications for international university cooperation.

Main Stages and Results of the Development of Mobile Space Environment Simulation Facility “Metamorphosis”

Abstract This article presents the main stages and results of the project “Mobile Space Environment Testing Equipment Development of “Metamorphosis” Prototype for Transportation Intermodal Traffic”. For successful implementation of the project, the project has been divided into four stages: 1) Design calculations and design documentation for the design elements of the prototype; 2) Prototype software development; 3) Manufacturing of construction details and prototype assembly; 4) Industrial research and prototype testing. The goal of the project is, based on industrial research, to develop a prototype of the Mobile Space Environment Test Facility (MSTF) “Metamorphosis” transported in an intermodal environment, and to achieve the level of scientific and technical readiness of MSTF from TRL2 to TRL4 (by the scale of the European Space Agency (ESA)) for further development of the project. This project is unique and has no comparable analogues, as all existing test facilities are stationary. The project is implemented by Riga Technical University in cooperation with Cryogenic and Vacuum Systems Ltd.

Mortality Outcomes of Patients with CKD Underdoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement at Cooper University Hospital

Mortality Outcomes of Patients with CKD Underdoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement at Cooper University Hospital

Implications of Sino-foreign Cooperative University Cultivation Models for Internationalization Education in Local Universities

Implications of Sino-foreign Cooperative University Cultivation Models for Internationalization Education in Local Universities

The role of the unified communications platform in the implementation of the third mission by a modern university

Introduction. The third mission of the university involves intensive communication, which is an indispensable means of solving social, economic and environmental problems of the region of its location. Innovative elaborations for sustainable development require a transition from disparate services to unified communications (UCaaS). The purpose of the study is to identify the potential of the unified communications platform for the exchange of information between the university and its stakeholders, which allows us to see new ways to implement the social mission of "University and Society". Materials and methods. Twelve department heads of Novosibirsk State Technical University were interviewed on the most demanded characteristics of a communication platform for achieving managerial, organizational and educational goals within the framework of university activities. Three experts from UCaaS platform development companies were also interviewed about the obstacles that arise in the way of introducing this technology into the university environment. The data was processed and visualized using the bar chart method. Results. The most demanded options of UCaaS platform satisfying the objectives of the university's third mission are the control of student engagement (25% of respondents), collaboration on documents (19%) and information security (17%). Tools for working in a distributed team are also relevant (15%). Barriers to the introduction of the platform into the digital environment of universities include the lack of necessary infrastructure, the conservative format of classes, and the lack of a continuing education system. The main problems of relations with stakeholders are the episodic nature of contacts, the insufficiency of their planning and data analysis, the lack of mechanisms for the influence of stakeholders on the university management processes. Conclusion. The passive-expectant style of the university's behavior in the educational services market contradicts the vectors of the implementation of the university's third mission, while being a problem of integrating UCaaS into the higher school system. The model of expanding the university's cooperation with stakeholders forms the university's communication ecosystem, initiates productive networking for joint projects. The UCaaS platform's services are effective both for creating social engagement and for technology transfer and continuing education.

Progress and challenges of gender mainstreaming in Spanish university cooperation for international development: the technical staff’s viewpoints

PurposeConsidering the critical role of higher education institutions in the advancement of the 2030 Agenda, this paper aims to analyse the incorporation of the gender perspective (Sustainable Development Goal 5) in the University Cooperation for International Development.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a qualitative methodological strategy, this paper identifies the potentialities and challenges of this perspective from the point of view of the technical staff of the cooperation units of seven Spanish universities.FindingsResults show a strong intention to incorporate gender principles, in accordance with the SDGs framework. However, the findings also point to certain divergences in the forms of understanding and implementing gender equality in practice. Finally, this paper uncovers a variety of strategies to navigate the resistances, still existing in the university community.Originality/valueSpain is orienting the legal framework of its cooperation and international relations towards the ambitious horizon of a feminist foreign policy. Universities are key actors in international development cooperation and the implementation of the SDGs. This is an issue that has received little research attention, particularly from a gender perspective.

Exploring the Cultivation of Applied Talents Through International Exchange and Cooperation in Universities

Exploring the Cultivation of Applied Talents Through International Exchange and Cooperation in Universities

Internationalisation with Chinese characteristics: exploring the paradox in students' experiences at Sino-foreign cooperative universities

ABSTRACT Although previous research has explored the impact of global and local forces on transnational higher education (TNHE) at a macro level, limited attention has been paid to students’ lived experiences navigating the mixed influences. To address the research gap, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with 35 Chinese undergraduates enrolled in two Sino-foreign cooperative universities (SFCUs). From the theoretical lens of paradox, this study revealed the inherent tensions in the dynamic and hybrid educational practices at SFCUs, arising from the internationalisation of higher education with Chinese characteristics. The overlapping values of cosmopolitanism, nationalism, neoliberalism, and authoritarianism have repercussions on the programme structure, academic discourse, and university management. The findings indicate that students negotiated the tensions in various manners, including following the prevailing discourse, challenging the global imagery, and recognising the complexity of situation. The presence of conflicting influences led some students to develop hierarchical binary thinking towards knowledge and elicit ambivalent emotions towards institutions, while others achieved a wholeness of self through self-reflection. This study contributes to a new scholarly perspective on exploring students’ unique experiences in TNHE.

Quality improvement initiative to reduce URI-associated antibiotic prescriptions among adult primary care providers

ImportanceDespite evidence that most upper respiratory infections (URIs) are due to viruses, antibiotics are frequently prescribed for this indication in the outpatient setting. Antibiotic stewardship strategies are needed to reduce...

RESEARCH ON FACTORS INFLUENCING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SINO-FOREIGN COOPERATIVE UNIVERSITIES IN CHINA

The purpose of this study is to explore the factors influencing the sustainable development of Sino-foreign cooperative universities in Zhejiang Province, China. The research data was collected from semi-structured interviews with 10 staff members currently employed at Sino-foreign cooperative universities, including 4 senior management personnel and 6 active teachers. Analysis of the interview content revealed that factors influencing the sustainable development of these universities encompass both external and internal dimensions. Externally, they are influenced by government support, evaluation systems, admission policies, and geopolitical factors. Internally, they are affected by program offerings, the quality of talent cultivation, faculty strength, and internal governance. Overall, the universities demonstrate significant strengths, and their prospects for sustainable development are optimistic.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0790/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Innovation investment and performance: the moderating role of university collaborations

Purpose Considering the historical evolution of innovation dynamics, and its paradoxical state, and answering Nelson (2008) and Winter (2014), this paper aims to analyze the dynamics of innovation within the context of the Evolutionary Economic Theory. Specifically, this study looks to unravel the moderating influence of university cooperation on the relationship between innovation expenditure and innovation results. This study aims to provide valuable insights and evidence that can inform strategic decision-making for policymakers and businesses striving to foster innovation-driven economic growth in an ever-evolving global landscape. Design/methodology/approach The quantitative methodology adopted in this study involved harvesting data from the Latin American Innovation Survey (LAIS) database and cleaning it up using Python to ensure data integrity. Subsequently, SPSS, coupled with the PROCESS macro, was employed to conduct moderation analysis. This methodological approach enabled the examination of the intricate interplay between innovation expenditure, university cooperation and innovation outcomes within a large sample of firms, thereby easing a robust exploration of the hypothesis. Findings The research highlights the moderating role of university cooperation, showing that collaborative partnerships amplify the impact of innovation spending on innovation results, advancing the understanding of the impact of university-business collaborations. Additionally, the results revealed a positive relationship between innovation expenditure and innovation results, underscoring the significance of R&D investments. Practical implications This study highlights the role of university-industry collaborations in enhancing innovation investment outcomes in Latin America. It suggests that managers should proactively engage with universities to access advanced research and foster a culture of innovation. These partnerships can significantly boost a firm's competitive edge and innovation success, marking them as crucial in the rapidly evolving economic environment. Originality/value The originality of the paper relies on bridging theoretical concepts from the Evolutionary Economic Theory framework with empirical insights of the moderating role of university cooperation. It addresses a theoretical gap, with a new methodology and offers insights into the complex relationship between universities, businesses and innovation in a constantly changing economic environment, making it clearer how these connections can help boost innovation in practical ways.

Implementing digital technologies in the school setting – how does it relate to work environment?

ABSTRACT Despite the extensive introduction of digital technologies in working life and the demand for the public sector, including schools, to digitalise, there is limited research on the relationship between digitalisation and the work environment. The aim of this article is therefore to explore how implementation processes of digital administrative and communication systems and teaching tools interact with work-related demands and resources experienced in schools. The Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) and Job Demand-Resources model (JDR) were used to analyse experiences of digitalisation and the work environment of employees, managers, strategists and health and safety officers in schools in Sweden. The study, based on semi-structured interviews with 25 participants, shows that the lack of resources and a too-high workload were reported as problematic and challenging in the introduction of digital technology. Collegial cooperation and decision-making opportunities, on the other hand, seemed to enhance the digitalisation process and to some extent even bridge over the weaknesses of strained time resources and high workload.

Breaking the financial bottleneck of local universities of China: an analysis of the current situation of university intellectual property

PurposeWith the global economic slowdown in 2023, most universities in the central and western regions of China may face the problem of shortage of government financial funding, which is directly related to the development of science and technology of the universities. With the support of the local government, most of the ordinary universities have shifted attention to the transfer and transformation of intellectual property based on school-enterprise cooperation, hoping to seek more commercialization income as an extra source of income. Therefore, this paper aimed to study the current situation of university intellectual property, i.e. the reserve and distribution of transferable patents, discipline distribution of patents, and regional cooperation of university patents.Design/methodology/approachA patent database of 10 key universities in Henan Province of China from 2012 to 2021 was established. The evaluation indicator model by the Entropy method was conducted to reveal the interaction mechanism between quantity indicators, quality indicators, and value indicators. Based on the data analysis, the development direction of the discipline construction and school-enterprise cooperation for local universities was clear.FindingsThe findings indicated that the number of patent applications from ten key universities in Henan Province has been increasing rapidly over the years. The trend for authorized invention patents has remained relatively stable. Compared with the patent applications and authorizations, the growth of transferable patents was notably slow. The significance of strategic layout of dominant disciplines and related high-value patents was not appreciated enough by Chinese government and universities. There was a large difference of dominant disciplines between 10 key universities, and the patent level of each university was directly proportional to the number of dominant disciplines. The university patent level heavily relied on the researchers' contributions and the distribution mechanism of scientific research resources within the university. Guangdong Province and the Yangtze River Delta of China, being economically developed regions, exhibited the most active engagement in patent technology cooperation. Conversely, the central and western regions displayed relatively lower participation in high-value patent research and development.Research limitations/implicationsThis study can provide a unique perspective to understand and solve the financial bottleneck problem of ordinary universities in the central and western regions of China. The discipline construction and school-enterprise cooperation are just one of the existing schemes, but it still cannot solve the financial problems faced by local universities in China towards the government.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study can serve as a foundation for further investigation into policies aimed at improving the financial problems of ordinary universities in the central and western regions of China.Originality/valueAs an important attempt, the study tried to focus the financial problem of universities in the central and western regions of China based on the evaluation of the current situation of university intellectual property. This research findings are of great value in finding optimal layout between university patents, disciplines and school-enterprise cooperation.

University education, conflicts, borders and cooperation: interdisciplinary perspectives between Brazil and Ukraine

The dossier "University education, conflicts, borders and cooperation: interdisciplinary perspectives between Brazil and Ukraine" brings together national and international articles that problematize the complex relations of higher education in conditions of crisis, cross-border cooperation between cultures and fields of knowledge. With interdisciplinarity as a horizon, the manuscripts discuss how universities can build bridges across disciplinary boundaries in order to promote peaceful coexistence in regions marked by conflict and division. The texts address the potential of internationalization and university cooperation. Overall, this issue provides a thought-provoking and timely contribution to debates on the role of higher education in building more just and peaceful societies.

VSEMERA: pilot project assessing health profession students’ experiences in an international virtual research program

BackgroundThe “Virtual Semester for Medical Research Aachen” (vSEMERA) is an international, interdisciplinary, virtual education program developed for health profession students. The first edition (2021) was hosted by the Medical Faculty of RWTH Aachen University (Germany) in cooperation with Centro Universitário Christus (Brazil) and Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (Peru). The primary aim of the 12-weeks program was to provide students with skills in health science research and prepare them for scientific career paths.MethodsvSEMERA was built on a virtual learning platform, the “vSEMERA-Campus”, designed to foster students’ learning process and social interactions. Maximum flexibility was offered through synchronous and asynchronous teaching, enabling participants to join via any device from any part of the Globe alongside their regular studies. For the program’s first edition (September - November 2021), health profession students from Germany, Brazil, Peru, Spain, and Italy filled all 30 available spots. Satisfaction, quality of the program and courses offered, as well as perceived learning outcomes, were examined using questionnaires throughout and at the end of the program.ResultsThe program received a rating of 4.38 out of 5 stars. While it met most expectations (4.29 out of 5), participants were unable to attend as many courses as intended (2.81 out of 5), mainly due to scheduling conflicts with the home university schedule (46%), internships (23%), and general timing issues (31%). Participants acknowledged considerable improvements in their scientific skills, English language skills, confidence in scientific project management, research career progression, and enthusiasm for a scientific career.ConclusionsvSEMERA represents a promising example of an online international learning and exchange program using pedagogical and technological elements of virtual collaboration and teaching. In addition to advancing future vSEMERA editions, our results may offer insights for similar projects that address the targeted integration of scientific research education into an international, digital learning environment.

Motives Behind University Students’ Enrolment in the Co-operative Programs in Tanzania

This study explored cooperative education's dynamics at the Moshi Co-operative University in Tanzania, aiming to establish factors influencing students' enrolment in cooperative programs amidst challenges faced by Tanzanian cooperative societies. Utilizing Dweck's Goal Orientation Approach, the study employed a qualitative single-case design, involving 50 students selected through purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation of perspectives and experiences. Data collection methods include semi-structured interviews and documentary reviews, facilitating insights into participants' motivations, experiences, and the contextual factors guiding their decisions. Thematic analysis guided by Dweck's approach ensured a systematic examination of the data, revealing the influential roles of parents, friends, teachers, family and role models in students' program choices. Emphasis is appears on the significance of employment opportunities and program relevance in shaping students' decisions. The study concludes that influential factors in students' enrolment include parental, peer, teacher, family and role model factors, emphasizing the significance of employment opportunities and program relevance. To strengthen cooperative education at MoCU, the study recommends collaborative initiatives, program diversification, improved career guidance, continuous professional development, systematic program evaluation, policy refinement and longitudinal impact assessments.

Utilising the New Technology Add-on Payment (NTAP): Improving Medicare-insured patients’ access to innovative therapeutics

Andexanet alfa (Andexxa) is the first reversal agent for direct factor Xa inhibitors. It qualified as a new, novel therapeutic for the New Technology Add-on Payment (NTAP) reimbursement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in October 2018. This paper is the first analysis of a healthcare system (HCS) reporting its implementation and utilisation of the NTAP for a new therapeutic. The number of patients treated with Andexxa at the level 1 trauma centre of southern New Jersey, Cooper University Hospital (CUH) was analysed. This paper highlights the successful implementation of Andexxa as a treatment option for (non)traumatic intracranial haemorrhage and acute, nongastrointestinal haemorrhage requiring surgical management at CUH. This paper looked at how well CUH obtained the Andexxa NTAP from CMS for Medicare patients. During the 4-year reimbursement period, CUH treated a total of 88 patients with Andexxa, of which 53 were Medicare patients treated before the expiry of the Andexxa NTAP. The study found that CUH received NTAP for 81 per cent of Andexxa-treated Medicare patients and that CUH received the maximal NTAP amount of US$18,281.25 for 43 per cent of those same patients. The paper discusses how a large trauma centre implemented and received the NTAP for Andexxa and evaluates the effect of cost on reimbursement amounts during the Andexxa NTAP period. Finally, this paper should help healthcare providers, stakeholders and administrators better understand the process through which to obtain NTAP reimbursements from CMS and improve their HCS with new, innovative therapies for their patients.

Double transitions of Chinese students in the ‘2 + 2’ articulation program under the influence of field coupling and social capital

ABSTRACT In the ‘2 + 2’ articulation program, Chinese students encounter many challenges in academic study and sociocultural life. There is debate regarding their intercultural transition experiences – whether they undergo acculturation, adhering to the home/original culture or adapting to the host/new culture, or remain in between the home/original and host/new culture in a ‘third space’? Existing research refers to numerous institutional and individual factors that influence students’ intercultural transition experiences. However, investigations are lacking regarding the cross-field effect triggered by field coupling and students’ three types of social capital: bonding, bridging, and linking. This study considers eight Chinese student participants who studied at a Sino-foreign cooperative university (SFCU) in China for the first two years and then transitioned to its partner university in the UK for the following two years. The findings showed that they experienced academic acculturation over time (from year one to three) and sociocultural in-betweenness across space (from the SFCU to the British partner university). The tight academic coupling and loose sociocultural coupling between the two educational fields, as well as students’ bonding, bridging, and linking social capital, led to disparate experiences in these double transitions. This study provides suggestions for higher education institutions to strengthen coupling and improve ‘2 + 2’ articulation programs.

International scientific cooperation in public health: A performance measurement framework based on the “Syphilis No!” Project in Brazil

In this article, we aim to propose indicators to evaluate the performance of international scientific cooperation in public health, based on the operation experience in Brazil’s “Syphilis No!” Project. This is an action research project, based upon Kaplan and Norton’s Balanced Scorecard Method, developed in five stages: (i) Reorganization of the indicators, (ii) validation of the new indicators, (iii) construction of the dimensions of the indicators, (iv) data collection for the indicators, (v) development of the framework for the “Syphilis No!” Project. The metrics and 34 indicators are presented and grouped into four dimensions: technical-scientific, investment, products, and impact. The cooperation that emerged from the project has built an international research network that has the potential to transcend syphilis research. The framework demonstrated that international scientific cooperations, focused on research and product development, have contributed to the promotion of public health policies and have enabled the exchange of knowledge, techniques, experiences, and technologies, fundamental to the international scientific cooperation of Brazilian universities. This contribution will have implications for studies in the field of international relations in health and education.