Turning changes into chances in international academic collaboration: a case study of a joint Sino-German College in Shanghai

Abstract To address a gap in understanding organizational level responses to complex shifts in international academic collaboration, we ask how a joint Sino-German college in Tongji University in Shanghai addressed challenges in international academic collaboration in one of its four key areas—mechanical engineering—from 2019 to 2024. Grounded in institutional theory and using a case study research design, supported by data from 22 interviews, over 70 documents, and fieldwork, we demonstrate that the challenges arose from the complexity of multiple logics imposed on the college by its Chinese and German actors. Our analysis revealed that since 2019, academic engagement between Germany and China faced increased costs and bureaucratic difficulties, exacerbated, but not caused, by a changing political relationship between the two countries. We further explored the organizational attempts to overcome these challenges as both German and Chinese actors leverage differences to benefit the joint organization. The college integrated its mechanical engineering curriculum more closely into its host university, while maintaining its coordinating role as a link to Germany. It emphasized newly launched small research centres, a new doctoral school, research into the green energy transition, new industry partnerships, and education in intercultural competencies. This study provides timely insights into how international academic organizations navigate complex environments and offers implications for future research on internationalization, particularly on Sino-foreign joint academic organizations.