Transnational Academic Mobility and Capital Accumulation: An Empirical Study of Chinese-Trained Pakistani Academic Returnees

Abstract

Academic returnees are fast-growing group in developing countries, prominently recognised for their competence in acquiring valuable knowledge and producing quality academic outcomes. This qualitative study, grounded in Bourdieu’s notions of capital theory, explored the experiences of Chinese-trained Pakistani academic returnees regarding impact of transitional academic mobility on their professional networks, and capital accumulation in the Pakistani academic context. Faculty members (19) participated in this study and semi-structured interviews were conducted in a comprehensive university in Balochistan. The study revealed that transnational academic mobility significantly enhanced returnees’ research skills and professional networking. However, returnees face challenges, such as, lack of institutional support, and systemic fences in applying foreign-learned skills and knowledge in the Pakistani academic setting. Moreover, the findings highlight the need for supportive policies and infrastructure to facilitate knowledge transfer and implementation. The study contributed to understanding of the complex dynamics of academic mobility and knowledge accumulation in Pakistani context.