Educating family business in Asia: the FAB multi-country project case

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to build on evidence generated from an innovative project (the FAB Erasmus+ capacity building project https://fab-project.eu/) and investigate the nexus between knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer within the higher education (HE) sector. The project’s aim was to develop a master’s programme in Family Business (FB) Management in six Southeast Asian Higher Education Institutes (HEIs): Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. This study sheds light on how the FAB research project created a culture of knowledge sharing in which academics and researchers were encouraged, expected and supported to distribute and exchange knowledge, expertise and ideas related to FB management, curriculum development and quality assurance in HE, with one another. This paper discusses the nature of the knowledge exchange process and the mechanisms used to enable Southeast Asian HEIs to access knowledge from their European counterparts, the effectiveness of these knowledge access pathways, the difficulties and challenges faced and the benefits gained. Design/methodology/approach The FAB project used an innovative methodological framework founded on four primary Work Packages (WPs). WP1 focused on research and identifying similar curricula in FB management in Asia. WP2 focused on developing new curricula in FB and the FAB e-learning platform (VLE). WP3 focused on developing educational material, lab infrastructure and capacity building. Finally, WP4 focused on accrediting and delivering the FAB Master’s Programme. The FAB project also had three horizontal WPs: WP5 (Quality Plan), WP6 (Dissemination and Exploitation) and WP7 (Management). Findings The FAB research study enhanced innovation and improved teamwork among all the participants and across all organizations. It fostered a culture of knowledge sharing among all the internal stakeholders, which consequently benefited external stakeholders (students and local businesses), advanced learning and led to the discovery of new knowledge. Specifically, it resulted in the design and delivery of 11 master’s programmes in FB Management that were adopted by the 22 Southeast Asian HEIs; the establishment and operation of six Vocational Education Training programmes (VET), with numerous online open courses; and the establishment of 15 FB Centres of Excellence and the FAB VLE. Originality/value This paper promotes the idea that knowledge sharing has the potential to instil a culture of collective commitment to open communication and mutual learning which is conducive to knowledge transfer. This study revealed an innovative approach (framework) for knowledge transfer, encompassing diverse mechanisms and tools that contribute to improved innovation capabilities in tertiary education in the specialised area of FB, which was absent from academic programmes in partner countries. Moreover, the programme addresses the needs of the region to have a family-business-specific curriculum, which will contribute significantly to the sustainability of family-owned businesses.