Staff development in higher education interinstitutional collaborations: An exploratory literature review

Interinstitutional collaborations are strategic drivers for higher education institutions (HEIs). Collaborations can initiate research partnerships, develop teaching innovations (e.g. joint degrees in supranational projects such as the European Universities Initiative), and foster student mobility, among other outcomes. Academic teachers across multiple institutions might need to gain knowledge and competencies to deliver novel teaching and learning approaches. HEIs often design staff development in interinstitutional collaborations, but documented practices are limited. This research conducted a literature review into staff development in interinstitutional collaborations. Thirty articles were reviewed using a qualitative reflective concept matrix approach. Nine common themes emerged: community, collaboration and interactions, leadership, facilitation, pre-existing institutional structures, institutional, individual, disciplinary and cultural differences, resources and logistics, shared vision and commitment, and communication. This analysis provides staff development activities and recommendations for each theme that can be used for designing or implementing successful interinstitutional staff development.