Building University Innovation Ecosystems: The Role of Work Integrated Learning as a Core Element in the UniversityIndustry Nexus

Abstract

Universities can be seen as innovation ecosystems contributing towards national innovation capacity via the commercialization of university research. While existing research predominantly focuses on university staff activities related to industry, the critical role of the student in contributing towards innovation efforts have often been overlooked and should be leveraged further as it is an important impetus for broader innovation outcomes. Students can contribute to innovation outcomes through various work integrated learning activities such as industry placements and work based projects. Therefore, by focusing on the student, the objective of the research is to develop a model for building effective university innovation ecosystems through work integrated learning as a nexus between university and industry. It provides important implications for university innovation policies and management frameworks to build university innovation ecosystems.