Globalization, transnational academic mobility and the Chinese knowledge diaspora: the case of Melbourne University

Abstract

In a context of intensified globalisation factors, knowledge diaspora as “trans-national human capital” has become increasingly valuable to society. With an awareness of a need for more empirical studies especially in Australia, this paper concentrates on a group of academics at Melbourne University who come originally from mainland Chinese. It looks at their life, work and international research collaborations, using a case study approach with semi-structured interviews as the data collection method. It shows while globalisation shapes their work and their contributions to Australia, China and the world, they exert their initiatives to respond to and further reshape globalisation. Equipped with their Chinese cultural and educational backgrounds, academic experience in the West, and active membership in the international knowledge system, the Chinese knowledge diaspora is a modern kind of cosmopolitan literati. They are aware of the impact of globalisation and contribute actively to higher education internationalisation in both Australia and China. They have maintained their cultural identity and made good use of their Chinese background. Their international collaborations, however, are more likely with scholars from Western countries due to some difficulties they have experienced in China and Australia, and to the current set-up of the global knowledge system.