The rise of China's geointellect?

• Published in: Social transformations in Chinese societies 2021-08, Vol.17 (1), p.12-26
• Main Author: Jain, Romi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: College campuses; Connectivity; Cooperation; Education policy; Foreign policy; Foreign students; Geography; Globalization; Higher education; Knowledge; Prestige; Research centers; Transnationalism
• ISSN: 1871-2673
• DOI: 10.1108/STICS-07-2020-0020

Purpose A qualitative development is discernible in China’s pursuit of global influence in knowledge following the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has embarked on expanding the frontiers of its higher education and research enterprise in different geographies, a subset of its global power project. This paper employs the geointellect concept to analyze this phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach The paper applies the geointellect model, formed inductively, to illuminate China’s geographical expanse in higher education and research. Findings The BRI has provided a platform for China to shape the educational architecture of the participating countries, apart from receiving a boost in its prestige by leading educational alliances and opening overseas research centres. In quantitative terms, it has made progress in specific knowledge metrics. Nevertheless, certain challenges and limitations need to be overcome. Research limitations/implications The role of a foreign policy in boosting a country’s knowledge profile has been identified. Future research directions have been provided in using the geointellect model. Practical implications This study provides a direction to evaluate the implications of China’s foreign policy for its knowledge segment, especially in terms of capturing its leading prowess in higher education and research. Originality/value It contributes a conceptual model to capture the different facets of China’s geointellect, with foreign policy, geography, higher education, and research being its constituents.