Starting Over: Exploring how UK and EU universities can establish high-value international partnerships in the post-Brexit, post-Pandemic world

This pilot study explored the lived experiences of Higher Education professionals with responsibility for developing Transnational Education (TNE) partnerships between UK and EU universities. The project was framed within stakeholder theory, and a qualitative research methodology was adopted, using semi-structured interviews to collect data from two university decision makers, with one based in a United Kingdom (UK) university and the other based in a private European Union (EU) institution. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis, with the responses highlighting an appreciation for the strategic value of UK/EU partnerships, the development of improved academic quality, the benefits of shared brand visibility, and the ability to collaborate, which is contingent upon government policy in both the UK and the EU. There was also evidence of differing perceptions from participants on the importance of commercial objectives and the impact of Brexit in each locality, with these viewed and prioritised differently in either context. The findings demonstrate evidence of EU partners being overlooked by UK universities post-Brexit, the impact of EU responses to Brexit at the country level from institutions working with UK providers and a misalignment of stakeholder values at the institutional level, which need to be overcome if collaborations are to succeed. The main study, designed to follow up on this piece of work, is already underway and will explore this field more comprehensively.