Global Collaboration & University Alliances

How can universities collaborate across borders — and across continents — in meaningful and sustainable ways? In this clip, Brian MacCraith examines the long-term potential of university alliances, with a focus on the European model and its implications globally. He highlights the essential role of government backing, shared metrics for impact, and consistent funding to enable deep institutional collaboration. MacCraith also advocates for new models of partnership between universities in the Global North and South, urging institutions to prioritize mutual learning, student exchange, and co-designed research. From virtual hackathons to stackable credentials, he outlines how cross-regional partnerships can enrich education and address real-world challenges. For institutions seeking to expand their global impact, this conversation reinforces a key lesson: effective collaboration requires vision, resources, and a genuine commitment to shared purpose.