Introduction/Background
Digital transformation (DT) is a phenomenon that involves people, technologies, and places. As a regional university, our research also focuses on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which are firmly embedded in and substantially contribute to regional communities and economies.
In 2020, scholars from two regional universities – Charles Sturt (CSU) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) – co-authored a book chapter on DT in MSMEs. This collaboration began an international partnership, forming the ‘Digitalisation and Internationalisation Research Group’ and providing the foundation for numerous research outputs that translated into Learning and Teaching (L&T) activities, such as reciprocal guest lectures at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Aims/Objectives of the presentation
Our presentation aims to showcase how research between two regional universities on different continents can lead to specific L&T activities, which increase business students’ understanding of the DT of work in cross-cultural contexts. Including MSMEs in our L&T activities using digital technologies contributes to the employability of our graduates, particularly those seeking employment in regional areas.
Methods
Our ‘research to L&T’ approach includes four steps: 1. building an international partnership between two regional universities; 2. co-creating various joint research outputs informing L&T activities; 3. delivering face-to-face and online classes to students at regional universities on two continents; and 4. including feedback from L&T activities into future research. Our presentation uses the Scholarly Environmental Model (SEM) to align research with L&T by creating a professional community, generating peer-reviewed publications, and fostering personal and institutional scholarship.
Results
Several Q1/Q2 journal articles, book chapters, full conference papers, and presentations at reputable international conferences emerged as research outputs, which informed L&T activities in both universities. These research outputs were used in subject materials and guest lectures delivered by academics of both universities, raising students’ attention to the point where FHNW Bachelor students requested interviews with CSU research group members to inform their Bachelor theses. In turn, international teaching strengthens collaboration and informs further research. Hence, a cycle model of ‘research–L&T–research’ emerged in the context of continuous cross-cultural immersion.
Discussion
Our cycle model aligns with TEQSA, which requires research to be at the ‘world standard’ where an Australian university provider delivers courses of study. Furthermore, collaborating with scholars from other universities extends personal learning networks and can inform quality teaching, fostering motivation and excellence, which in turn enriches students’ learning experiences. Also, international teaching provides opportunities for cross-cultural learning and contributes to preparing our students for the Graduate Learning Outcome of ‘Global Citizenship’. Similar to connecting MSMEs to global markets, digital affordances allow business students from regional universities to participate as global citizens through their studies.
Conclusion
While our research partnership demonstrates an exemplary case of the cycle model, it is worth further investigating to what extent the model is transferable to other regional universities in Australia to facilitate the creation of trustful research partnerships as a foundation for heightened L&T practices and cross-cultural student experiences.
