Contributing to Research Capacity Building: Perspectives of Faculty and Administrators at an International Branch Campus in the Middle East

International branch campuses (IBCs) represent a distinct segment of global higher education, serving as extensions of home institutions to address local and regional educational needs. This study explored how faculty and administrators contributed to research capacity building at an IBC in the Middle East, emphasizing their role in supporting the host country’s transition to a knowledge-based economy. Existing literature primarily focuses on the teaching functions of IBCs, with limited studies examining research capacity building. This study addressed this gap through a qualitative single-case study using a phenomenological analysis approach. Thematic analysis of eight semi-structured interviews, prompt questions, researcher memos, institutional materials, and strategic reports provided insights into how faculty and administrators perceived their roles in developing research capacity. Findings indicated that participants were instrumental in facilitating the migration of ideas, cultivating human capital, and aligning research efforts with local priorities. They also navigated the unspoken disconnect, bridging the gap between institutional expectations and the practical realities of conducting research within the IBC. Despite these challenges, the IBC demonstrated strong potential to foster an academically vibrant environment and contribute to knowledge creation. Participants described both the challenges and rewards of adjusting to the academic environment, highlighting their efforts to enhance its global identity and develop research infrastructure while navigating the conflicting tensions between stakeholder expectations and academic outcomes. The IBC strived to achieve integration into the global academic and professional network, promoting research engagement and cross-border collaboration; however, as these institutions are often perceived as being in the nascent stages of development, they continue to prioritize the enhancement of local research capacity. This dual emphasis reflects their commitment to fostering robust research engagement locally while steadily advancing their international presence. These findings emphasized broader implications for global higher education, particularly the need for policies supporting hybrid learning environments and research capacity building. Faculty and administrators’ perspectives provided valuable insights into institutional development, highlighting the interplay between individual roles and broader strategies. Their experiences provided deeper insight into the human dimensions of academic practices. By shedding light on critical barriers and opportunities, the study equips decision-makers in higher education with the tools to strengthen and sustain research ecosystems at IBCs.

Author

• Mosaad, Khadija Talal

• Global Higher Education
• Higher Education
• International Branch Campuses
• Knowledge-Based Economies
• Research Capacity Building
• The Middle East

Identifier

hdl:1920/14713

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:MARS:1920/14713