The Practice of HE Partnership between Ethiopia and India: A Case of a Partnership between Defense Engineering College (Ethiopia) and Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur

Abstract

This study is intended to explore the practice of the institutional partnership between two HEIs (DEC and IITK) with regard to their motivation, benefits obtained, and power relation. An exploratory case study design was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interview made with 14-participants selected purposefully; and document analysis. The data were organized and interpreted thematically. Accordingly, the motivations for the partnership and the benefits each partner gained are identified, and they are found closely matched with each other. The partnership was demand-driven and it was on the basis of strategic decisions by both partners to acquire resources from each other and build their capacities. It appears that mutual respect, consensus, and reciprocity have been manifested in the partnership. Thus, it seems unlikely that unbalance of power could negatively affect such partnerships. The study also identified financial constraints and weak evaluation and reporting mechanisms as factors challenging the partnership.