Pragmatic approaches have seen teachers become long-term part-time engineers in enterprises and research teams dedicated to developing products and processes to optimize manufacturing techniques.

"Our collaboration has subsequently led to students gaining direct employment in these industries. Conversely, enterprises are financing research and innovation programs in colleges," says Zhang, who is an engineer by profession.

Under the education alliance, Zhang hopes more African institutions will join and contribute in broadening the technical areas of partnership.

"I believe the collaboration will drive economies into the middle level that their governments are aiming for."

To position itself strategically, Ningbo Polytechnic has launched departments dedicated to foreign students. Instructors are encouraged to adopt English as the language for instruction to improve the learning experience.

Scholarship programs will certainly increase to meet demand and encourage student exchanges.

"The success of this alliance will be founded on institutions that are open-minded. More funding will be committed toward innovation and entrepreneurship with the creation of incubation hubs to stimulate much needed developmental growth."