Serendipity or strategy? An investigation into entrepreneurial transnational higher education and risk management

Abstract

Purpose

To provide a past, current and future perspective of transnational higher education for academics and managers engaged in this area of education provision, to heighten awareness of the current trends and issues involved.

Design/methodology/approach

An Australian/Hong Kong case study and reference to current literature are used to highlight the main issues concerning this rapidly expanding phenomenon in the provision of higher education.

Findings

Identifies and discusses the main issues for consideration when planning new transnational activities, including the need for strategic approaches and risk management.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on Australia and the Asian region, although material related to the UK and the USA is included in some sections. Whether a country is the provider or the receiver of transnational education, the issues raised will be relevant.

Practical implications

This paper provides a very useful source of information for those currently involved in or planning to become involved in a transnational higher education activity.

Originality/value

This paper is timely in that it addresses the recent proliferation of transnational higher education activities by considering the past and present, as well as providing discussion of potential future directions.

Citation

Shanahan, P. and McParlane, J. (2005), "Serendipity or strategy? An investigation into entrepreneurial transnational higher education and risk management", On the Horizon, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 220-228. https://doi.org/10.1108/10748120510627349