Cross-institutional collaboration in engineering education – a systematic review study

To uncover and analyze conceptualizations of cross-institutionalcollaboration in engineering education, a systematic review study wasconducted, identifying commonalities in frameworks, assessments andevaluations, and challenges across prior studies. 74 papers werereviewed, revealing study descriptors, theoretically applied frameworks,outcomes of assessments and evaluations, and common challenges. Thefindings indicate that the concept of cross-institutional collaboration inengineering education is region-specific, with papers most frequentlyoriginating from the US. The outcomes identified also highlight thedifficulty in establishing clarity among outcomes based on assessmentsand evaluations, since the majority of the reviewed papers do notinclude empirical data gathered outside the collaborative activities. Thestructural and personal challenges and barriers found underline theneed for more efforts to ensure successful collaboration with and acrossengineering education. Finally, designing, delivering, and sustainingcollaboration require further attention from decision-makers inengineering education to address and facilitate collaboration betweenacademic staff and students across institutions.