Enhancing Global Competence in Asian Higher Education: Technological Integration, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, and Cross-Cultural Adaptation

Introduction

As globalization reshapes higher education, there is an increasing need to address how universities can better prepare learners and educators for a rapidly changing world. This special issue addresses these pressing concerns, focusing on identified critical themes such as the development of intercultural competence, technological integration, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The special issue will take research forward in the areas of how higher education institutions in Asia are adapting to the evolving demands of globalization. This issue will present innovative practices and offer evidence-based insights on how universities in China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are addressing these critical challenges. By highlighting diverse perspectives and empirical findings, the special issue aims to provide practical recommendations for policymakers, educators, and researchers on building globally competitive, inclusive, and technologically equipped higher education eco-systems.

This special issue directly addresses societal challenges by exploring how higher education institutions can foster global competence, adapt to technological advancements, and improve access to quality education, particularly in rural areas. The issue aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 4: Quality Education. By promoting intercultural competence and digital inclusion, the collection of research articles will contribute to reducing inequalities in education and enhancing workforce readiness in a global economy. The issue focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation which reflects a broad section of societal needs for cross-sector solutions to global challenges, including sustainability and equitable access to education.

List of topic areas

1. Development of intercultural competence in higher education.
2. Integration of digital learning ecosystems in Asian universities.
3. The role of interdisciplinary collaboration in fostering innovation. 
4. Addressing teacher retention in rural areas through enhanced support systems.
5. Comparative analysis of educational innovations in China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Submissions Information

Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available here.

Author guidelines must be strictly followed.

Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to "Please select the issue you are submitting to". 

Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else while under review for this journal.

Key deadlines

Opening date for manuscripts submissions: 4th December, 2024

Closing date for manuscripts submission: 14th March, 2025