The role of research universities in a changing world order

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and unprecedented global challenges, research universities have emerged as pivotal institutions shaping the future of humanity. As the world order evolves, particularly with the intensifying competition between East and West, we are witnessing increasing tension on trade, technology, tariffs, finance and military.

Can universities, especially research universities with a STEM focus, be spared? These universities are not only centers of knowledge creation but arenas for geopolitical influence and global talent mobility — and for playing out the delicate balance between research competition and collaboration.

Geopolitics and the rise of the East

The 21st century has witnessed a significant shift in global power dynamics, especially with the rise of China challenging the traditional dominance of Western countries. This shift has profound implications for research universities.

In the West, particularly in the US and Europe, research universities have long been at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological innovation, setting the global standard for academic excellence. However, the rapid ascent of Eastern universities, particularly in China, is reshaping this landscape. Universities such as Tsinghua University and Peking University are now ranked among the world’s best, reflecting China’s substantial investments in higher education and research infrastructure. This rise is not merely academic; it is deeply intertwined with national strategies for economic growth, technological supremacy, self-reliance and geopolitical influence.

The competition between East and West is not just about rankings and prestige — it’s also about shaping the future of global norms and values. Research universities are key players in this contest, as they produce the knowledge and ideas that underpin technological advancements, economic policies and cultural narratives. Traditionally, Western universities have emphasized academic freedom and open inquiry, encouraging global collaboration. Chinese universities, on the other hand, were often perceived as more insular and directed and monitored by the government. It is ironic that in recent years, the distinction between these two views have changed quite a bit. US universities are becoming more insular, with academia being increasingly dictated by national politics and with an erosion of academic freedom on campuses. Often these changes are attributed to a concern for national security and human rights. The infamous China Initiative opens in new tab/window in the US is being revived. Several decade-long US-China academic collaborations have been terminated recently, mainly by the US partner under pressure from the US government: UC Berkeley with Tsinghua University, Georgia Tech with Tianjin University, and the University of Michigan with Shanghai Jiaotong University. More will likely follow.

Student and faculty mobility: a double-edged sword

One of the most visible manifestations of the changing world order in higher education is the mobility of students and faculty. Over the past few decades, the globalization of education has led to an unprecedented flow of talent across borders. Students from Asia, particularly China and India, have flocked to Western universities, seeking world-class education and better career prospects. Similarly, faculty members have moved to institutions in different countries, contributing to the internationalization of research and teaching.

However, this mobility is increasingly buffeted by geopolitical tensions. The US-China rivalry, for instance, has had a chilling effect on student and faculty talent flows. Concerns over intellectual property theft and espionage have led to stricter visa policies and increased scrutiny of Chinese students and researchers in the US. Conversely, China has been actively recruiting overseas talent, including returnees with long careers in the West, offering incentives to attract top scholars and scientists to its universities.

These “push” and “pull” factors together have significantly changed the talent flow between the US and China. It has been widely reported in leading science media that there has been an “exodus” of top Chinese academics who have spent decades in top US universities leaving to take positions in China. The number of Chinese students on US campuses has decreased noticeably in recent years. The perception that Chinese students, especially those in STEM, are not welcome in the US discourages top Chinese students from trying to come to the US.

On the other hand, the condition and environment in China has improved dramatically in recent years and opportunities abound. A very timely example is DeepSeek, which is mainly staffed by purely homegrown fresh graduates from top Chinese universities who have not studied overseas. DeepSeek’s success will certainly inspire a new generation of young Chinese talents who will choose to remain in China to build the DeepSeeks of the future instead of following the well-trodden path of their predecessors to pursue their studies (and indirectly contribute to the economy) in the US. This will present challenges for Western universities that want to continue to attract talent from China.

Despite these challenges, student and faculty mobility should remain a cornerstone of the global knowledge economy. The exchange of ideas and perspectives across borders enriches academic discourse and fosters innovation. Universities must strike a delicate balance between openness and security, ensuring that they remain hubs of international collaboration while addressing national political concerns. International students go where academic excellence, career opportunities and technological leadership are perceived to be best. As the world order changes, the direction and volume of flow of talent will change. DeepSeek and other emerging Chinese AI companies have not only dramatically changed the global landscape in AI; their presence will likely lead to a flow of talent and money into China. China’s elite universities will benefit from a boost in reputation, with a proven record of being able to nurture a generation of young talent that can innovate and compete with the rest of the world.

You can bet that this will inspire many universities and entrepreneurs in China to follow suit.

Research competition versus collaboration

In the realm of research, the tension between competition and collaboration is more pronounced than ever. On one hand, the global race for technological supremacy, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors and biotechnology, has intensified competition among nations and their research institutions. On the other hand, the complexity and scale of contemporary challenges — such as climate change, pandemics and food security — demand unprecedented levels of international cooperation.

Research universities are at the heart of this paradox. They are both the engines of national innovation systems and the nodes of global research networks. In the West, universities have traditionally emphasized open science and the free exchange of knowledge. However, with the rise of strategic competition, governments are increasingly viewing research as a national security issue, imposing restrictions on the sharing of sensitive technologies and data. The concept of “dual use” technology and research has been an overreaching factor impeding global collaboration. “Dual use” is a rather loose definition, and by some measure, the majority of science and technology can be put into this category. Controlling access to Western technology and discouraging global collaboration in these areas may have limited effectiveness and in fact may backfire. DeepSeek and GPU export control and Huawei’s self-developed chips and operation system are examples. In contrast, Chinese universities have embraced a more state-directed model of research, following national technology development and self-sufficiency priorities. My hunch is that Chinese universities are still eager to engage and collaborate with their Western counterparts, but finding willing partners has become increasingly challenging, given geopolitical factors.

The future of international research collaboration is uncertain. As geopolitical tensions rise, there is a risk that the world could become more fragmented, with research silos emerging along national or ideological lines. This would be a significant setback for global progress, as it would limit the flow of ideas and hinder the collective effort to address pressing challenges.

A dilemma for universities, both in the West and the East, is how to find creative ways to carry out global collaborations while addressing national geopolitical concerns.

The way forward: Navigating a complex landscape

In this rapidly changing world order, research universities must navigate a complex and contrasting landscape. They must balance the demands of national competitiveness with the imperative of global collaboration, all while maintaining their core mission of advancing knowledge and educating the next generation of leaders.

In my opinion, there are several basic principles universities must adhere to in this endeavor:

They must remember their core role in society and continue to serve society and humankind for the long term. Bending with the shifting political wind may be immediately expedient but will compromise their mission, reputation and talent recruitment.

They must adapt to the shifting geopolitical and economic realities. They cannot ignore legitimate national security concerns but can propose pragmatic policies and frameworks that will maximize global collaborations under those constraints. This may involve new models of partnership that balance openness with security.

They should reaffirm their commitment to academic freedom and open inquiry. Universities should remain spaces where diverse perspectives can be explored and debated. This requires vigilance against external pressures — from government, corporations and other actors.

Universities should continue to play a proactive role in shaping the global narrative around higher education and research, as well as solving key challenges facing humanity that require global collaboration.

None of the these are easy, and navigating them will require wisdom and perseverance as well as leadership and courage. But ignoring them will hurt universities in the long run. In turbulent times such as now, universities have an even more critical role in helping to bridge ideological and political gaps — and to ensure that the world remains connected, not only through economics and technology but through shared pursuit of knowledge and understanding. And building a better future for us all.