Global Partnerships

Developing global research partnerships is essential for advancing knowledge, solving complex challenges, and ensuring equitable access to innovation, especially in an interconnected world. It also has the potential to enhance research visibility and influence, amplified innovation, and resource efficiency.

In an increasingly interconnected world, global research partnerships are essential for addressing complex challenges that transcend borders. These collaborations foster innovation, enhance knowledge exchange, and leverage diverse expertise, ultimately driving impactful solutions to pressing global issues, such as climate change, public health crises, and technological advancements.

It is equally important to know what you bring to the table during international research collaborations.

Pooling resources and expertise through global partnerships can significantly enhance efficiency. Researchers can share data, laboratories, and funding opportunities, reducing redundancy and maximizing the impact of their work. This collaborative approach can lead to cost savings and faster project completion times

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Building Global Partnerships – some things to consider in your preparation and planning

1. Definition – What are Global Partnerships? 

2. Rationale – Why is a global partnership needed? 

3. The Partnership: 

• Who are the like-minded researchers you can partner with?  

• Where can they be found? 

• Develop a way of working to support collegial working – e.g. Who owns the data? What happens when things go wrong? How will authorship be determined? 

4. Purpose – What are your motivations for starting one? Establish the purpose of the partnership. 

5. Background – Who else is already undertaking a partnership with this purpose? 

6. Collaboration – Who could add value as a result of being a part of this partnership? 

7. Developing core competencies – What skills are needed for effective global research collaborations?: 

• Communication and building networks 

• Cultural competency and contextual awareness 

• Relationship building 

• Project Management and coordination 

8. Challenges to global partnerships – What barriers present themselves when engaging global partners? 

9. Strategies for mitigating challenges to building global partnerships – How can challenges be overcome? 

10. Resources Mobilisation – What resourcing will be required to facilitate and build global partnership? 

– Monetary funding 

– Funding agencies 

– Research expertise – Identify what research expertise is required. (What is already in existence?) 

– Logistical needs 

10. Strategic planning – Utilise the point above as a starting point to generate a plan of action. 

11. Strategic evaluation – Create checkpoints at every stage to ensure the partnership keeps to its stated aims. Adjust as needed.

Additional Resources

National Centre for Universities and Businesses 

https://www.ncub.co.uk/insight/building-bridges-through-international-collaboration

British Council 

https://arts.britishcouncil.org/projects/international-collaboration-grants

UKRI 

https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/international-funding/how-we-support-international-collaboration

The BRECcIA Way: Inclusive and equitable international research

Here is an animation and podcast on The BRECcIA way – an inclusive international research consortium:

Here is the full podcast

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Articles

Sowah, Winnie N.A. ; Jayson-Quashigah, Philip Neri M. ; Atiglo, Donatus Yaw et al (2025). ‘Unleashing Potential: Collaborative Research as a Catalyst for Capacity Building and Enhancement’ in Oceanography.Vol. 38, No. 1. https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2025.112