Reframing transnational education through institutional logics: the THRIVE framework for sustainable and equitable partnerships

Tsiligkiris, V ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5478-3464, 2026. Reframing transnational education through institutional logics: the THRIVE framework for sustainable and equitable partnerships. Higher Education Quarterly, 80 (1): e70091. ISSN 0951-5224

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Abstract

This conceptual paper responds to growing concerns that Transnational Education (TNE) has become dominated by market imperatives, leading to persistent challenges around equity, localisation, legitimacy, and long-term sustainability. To address these issues, the paper introduces THRIVE, a design-oriented conceptual framework that reconceptualises TNE as a logic-blending system grounded in Institutional Logics Theory (ILT). THRIVE comprises five interdependent pillars—Holistic Engagement, Resilience, Inclusivity, Viability, and Equity—which together enable institutions to align market objectives with academic standards, public-good mandates, and community expectations. The paper synthesises existing literature to critique traditional TNE models and to articulate the theoretical foundations of THRIVE, demonstrating how it operationalises ILT through mechanisms such as co-governance, curriculum co-design, revenue sharing, and inclusive access strategies. Its analytical and practical value is illustrated through four hypothetical case studies representing mainstream TNE models, showing THRIVE’s dual function as a planning tool for new initiatives and a turnaround mechanism for existing partnerships. By embedding social legitimacy and developmental alignment alongside financial sustainability, the framework offers a blueprint for reorienting TNE towards equitable, context-responsive, and resilient global engagement. The paper concludes with implications for institutional strategy and regulatory policy, positioning THRIVE as a foundation for future reform in the governance of transnational higher education.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Higher Education Quarterly
Creators:	Tsiligkiris, V.
Publisher:	Wiley
Date:	January 2026
Volume:	80
Number:	1
ISSN:	0951-5224
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1111/hequ.70091 DOI 2527821 Other
Rights:	© 2025 the author(s). Higher Education Quarterly published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Tsiligkiris, V, 2026. Reframing transnational education through institutional logics: the THRIVE framework for sustainable and equitable partnerships. Higher Education Quarterly, 80 (1): e70091, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/hequ.70091. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.
Divisions:	Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by:	Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added:	18 Nov 2025 16:25
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2026 11:40
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/54763

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