Globalisation and Its Impact on International University Cooperation

Abstract

Globalisation is conceptually ambiguous. Not only is it used in contexts such as process, perspective, and outcome, and loosely defined in various dimensions (i.e. political, economic, socio-cultural), it is also commonly mistaken for internationalisation. Although most literature treating globalisation is economic in focus, this study attempts to investigate its ubiquitous nature in an effort to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of globalisation within the particular domain of higher education. For purposes of this study, globalisation in higher education pertains to a convergence of educational systems and ideals designed to meet the needs of world knowledge (dissemination and pursuit thereof) and societal advancement (civilisation-building). Internationalisation refers to the divergent approaches within the various contexts of that convergence. The analysis of 600 + international university organisations, viewed as outcomes of globalisation, internationalisation, and other spheres of influence, provides tangible evidence of these forces and their impact on higher education, and more particularly, on international university cooperation.