PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS, CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND SUSTAINABLE HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT IN PAKISTAN: A CASE STUDY OF HUAWEI–HEC COLLABORATION

Abstract

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly recognised as essential mechanisms for advancing sustainable development, particularly in developing countries facing educational and socioeconomic challenges. This study examines the roles of multinational corporations (MNCs), government institutions, and higher education institutions (HEIs) in promoting sustainable higher education development in Pakistan, using the case study of the partnership between Huawei Technologies and Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC). Grounded in collaborative governance and stakeholder theory, the research explores how corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives can contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through seven semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders from Huawei, HEC, and HEIs, complemented by archival analysis of corporate sustainability reports, policy documents, and official announcements. Thematic analysis identified three core dimensions of partnership effectiveness: public value creation, stakeholder collaboration, and collaborative governance. Findings reveal that the Huawei–HEC collaboration significantly supports youth skill development, scholarship provision, digital inclusion, and enhanced employability. At the same time, HEC plays a critical mediating role in ensuring transparency, regulatory oversight, and policy coordination. The study highlights that effective PPPs can strengthen educational sustainability, reduce governmental resource burdens, and enhance social innovation in developing contexts. Policy implications emphasise the need for stronger institutional frameworks, expanded corporate engagement, and enhanced governance mechanisms to maximise the developmental impact of CSR-driven educational partnerships.