Analyzing Institutional Partnership Trends: A Quantitative Study of MOUs at the College of Arts, Media and Technology, Chiang Mai University
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/jiskku.2026.1Keywords:
Institutional partnership, Knowledge network, Institutional knowledge flow, International collaboration, Social network analysisAbstract
Purpose: Internationalization in higher education is increasingly evaluated not only in terms of partnership governance effectiveness but also through the management of institutional knowledge networks embedded within collaboration structures. Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) serve as foundational instruments for inter-institutional cooperation; however, empirical analyses of how MOU portfolios shape institutional knowledge flow remain limited, particularly at the sub-institutional level.
Methodology: This study examines the MOU portfolio of the College of Arts, Media and Technology (CAMT) at Chiang Mai University through a quantitative analysis of 40 agreements that were signed or remained active between 2023 and early 2026. Integrating a strategic partnership portfolio governance framework with an institutional knowledge flow perspective, the study analyzes geographic distribution, agreement duration, institutional level, lifecycle status, and temporal development patterns. Descriptive statistical techniques and institutional document analysis are employed to identify structural collaboration trends and information governance characteristics.
Findings: The findings indicate that partnership agreements are geographically concentrated in Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and South Korea, reflecting the regional density of knowledge networks. The standardized five-year agreement structure demonstrates alignment in lifecycle governance and supports sustained cycles of knowledge circulation. A balanced dual-level partnership configuration supports multi-layered research information exchange across institutional hierarchies. The upward trend of MOU formation further indicates deliberate expansion of institutional knowledge infrastructure within regional academic ecosystems.
Applications of this study: The results contribute to international affairs management, research data governance, and institutional strategy development in higher education institutions seeking to enhance global collaboration performance.
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References
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