The Role of Asian and European Regional University Associations in the Global Higher Education Field

• In Event: Equitable Education Systems and Comparative Organizational Perspectives

Abstract

Using theories of meta-organizations, this study examines the activities and purposes of regional university associations (RUAs) in Asia and Europe. It finds that RUAs engage in mobility programs, conferences, policy consultation, and research cooperation. Moreover, RUAs primarily state their purposes as enhancing networking among universities members, representing university voices in regional policy, and maintaining institutional identity. In addition, comparison of Asia and Europe reveals that RUAs in Europe tend to stress policy advocacy more often than their counterparts in Asia. The findings suggest that RUAs are important actors in the regionalization of student mobility and research cooperation. The findings shed light on new approaches universities adopt in engaging in international cooperation.

Author

• You Zhang, University of Toronto