Sector upbeat about 2008

The international engagement of Australian universities, particularly with China, will be a hot topic in 2008. Booming China and its seemingly insatiable hunger for raw materials will continue to benefit Australia's economy. Accompanying the economic dimension of the relationship is the rapidly expanding academic links between Australian and Chinese universities.

There is, however, building apprehension in the US and UK about China's motives in seeking cooperation with foreign universities. One assertion is that China intends to make gains in science and technology by absorbing talent and intellectual property. So what is the best way for Australia's higher education sector to engage China? Is there a smarter way of benefiting from our burgeoning suite of partnerships?

China, like many countries in the Asia Pacific region is spending billions in reforming its higher education system. The country is investing heavily in science and technology. Almost six in 10 undergraduates in China are studying science and engineering. The number of science and engineering PhDs doubled between 1996 and 2001. There are 4000 research institutions under the auspices of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Chinese companies are boosting their research and development budgets over the next three years to reflect critical importance of innovation and maintaining competitive advantage.

To not engage with China or internationally is not the answer. We will need to think of smart ways of collaboration. We need to forge relationships on mutual respect that produce win-win outcomes and ensure the relationships are sustainable.

A challenge for government and the higher education communities is to shift the negative discourse which is prevalent in some quarters around the critical importance of knowledge and learning, which will renew community respect and support for the contributions made by universities.

In addition, rethinking government funding mechanisms for international collaboration will help bolster Australia's contribution to tackling complex global problems.

Professor Stephanie Fahey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International).

(Source: Campus Review 1st Edition 2008)