Networking and partnerships: creating purposeful academic pathways in higher education

Purpose This paper examines the development and implementation of a strategic partnership between the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) in the United States and the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) in the Cayman Islands. It aims to explore how inter-institutional collaboration can create structured academic pathways that enhance workforce readiness, expand access to higher education and support national development priorities in small island jurisdictions. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a mixed-methods case study approach to examine the development of a strategic partnership between the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) and the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT). Data were collected through stakeholder consultations with institutional leaders, participant observation during site visits, student engagement activities, and document analysis of memoranda of understanding, articulation agreements, curriculum plans, and policy documents. Quantitative enrollment and academic performance data were also reviewed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed academic pathways. The triangulation of qualitative and quantitative evidence provided a comprehensive understanding of the partnership development process and its outcomes. Findings The study finds that purposeful partnerships between higher education institutions can effectively bridge gaps in local capacity by aligning academic programs with workforce demands. The NEIT–UCCI collaboration demonstrates that structured articulation agreements, stakeholder engagement and data-informed program design can facilitate seamless student transitions, improve access to international education and reduce reliance on foreign labor. Additionally, financial support mechanisms and strong institutional alignment were critical to the partnership's success. Originality/value This paper contributes to the limited literature on North–South higher education partnerships in the Caribbean by presenting a practical, replicable framework for developing academic pathways. It offers a detailed case study that integrates conceptual modelling, stakeholder alignment and policy considerations, providing insights for institutions seeking to build sustainable, mutually beneficial collaborations in a post-pandemic and rapidly evolving global education landscape.