This study investigates the international scientific and technological innovation cooperation processes at five “111 Project” bases using grounded theory and multi-case analysis. It explores the influence mechanisms of cooperation logic, collaboration tension, and field dynamics on university-led international innovation cooperation models, while examining the differences in cooperation models across the various “111 Project” bases. The findings reveal that cooperation logic, such as resource complementarity and goal alignment, drives the formation of the “point” and “line” cooperation models, while policy orientation enhances the stability of the cooperation models. Collaboration tensions, including cross-cultural challenges and compliance conflicts, significantly influence the adjustment and evolution of “point”, “line”, and “network” cooperation models. Field dynamics, such as public crises and changes in academic leadership, moderate the impact of cooperation logic and tension on the cooperation models. Each base demonstrates unique characteristics and emphases in its cooperation models. Based on these insights, a theoretical framework for university-led international scientific and technological innovation cooperation models is proposed.