Developing university-business cooperation through work-integrated learning

Abstract

While university-business cooperation (UBC) is predominantly focused on commercialisation involving university staff and firms, the area of work-integrated learning (WIL) including students is increasing in prominence. WIL is an intrinsic component and catalyst for broader UBC. It has also been widely recognised as fundamental in the education arena to equip graduates with the required industry experience to innovate successfully. Despite its importance, the UBC literature places limited attention on WIL. Cooperation between university and business at the organisational level of relevant institutions as well as the individual level of participating managers and students is fundamental. Focusing on the student at the interface of UBC, this study contributes a framework for developing UBC through WIL. Managerial implications are discussed for universities and businesses engaged in UBC.