Journal of Knowledge-based Innovation in China

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore, within the context of developing Sino-UK educational relationships, the evolution of a specific partnership, that between Tianjin Business School, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin, and Salford Business School, University of Salford, UK. The paper is the first in an intended series, which will track the evolution of the on-going collaboration and will document the various opportunities and barriers in establishing a successful strategic partnership. Specifically, the paper focuses on the context of the embryonic relationship, notably the policy drivers in China and the UK and the profile of the two participant partners.

Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study-based paper of two business schools.

Findings – This paper stresses the importance of the context and factors involved in establishing successful, and sustainable, collaborative partnerships in higher education (HE) and specifically between institutions based in China and the UK. It draws upon the experiences of two partner institutions, one in Tianjin, China, and one in Salford, UK and both of which are business schools.

Originality/value – The paper contributes to the limited literature on Sino-UK collaboration in HE and does so through an original case study, involving description and analysis of an evolving collaborative relationship.