International Research Collaboration in Turkish Higher Education: The Role of Individual, Professional, and Institutional Factors

Abstract

Globalizing forces in higher education put growing pressure on both institutions and academics worldwide to become engaged in international research collaboration (IRC). Similarly, in Türkiye, the recent governmental and institutional strategies have been ambitiously promoting academics’ endeavors toward IRC. This study examines factors influencing IRC in Turkish higher education based on academics’ attitudes and behaviors. We utilized relevant questions of an international research project and investigated the relationships between IRC and individual, professional, and institutional factors through a survey design. Our findings indicate that despite globalizing trends, a considerable proportion of the participant Turkish academics tend not to establish IRC. We also found that obtaining a doctoral degree abroad, holding higher academic titles, being employed in foundation universities, and orientation towards research that is multidisciplinary or international in scope are influential in establishing IRC. Based on national (i.e., Türkiye) developments and global trends in higher education and the academic profession, we discuss our findings and suggest measures and actions for policymakers and administrators.