Exploring the Constraints in Establishment of University-Industry Collaboration in Punjab

Abstract

Universities and industry are in need of cooperation and communication with each other for the social and economic development of the country. The purpose of this study was to explore the constraints in the establishment of university and industry collaboration in Pakistan, specifically in Punjab Province. This study also provides some suggestions to strengthen this linkage. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to explore the University-Industry (U-I) collaboration constraints and strengthening mechanisms. The total sample of the study for the quantitative part has consisted of 1070 faculty members of the universities of the Punjab province. Qualitative part of study consisted of 11 ORICs member and 12 industrialists. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The findings of studies shows that various constraints identified in establishment of linkage between university and industry, including paucity of infrastructure, low motivation, trust deficit, lack of interest and missing policy regarding linkage. It has recommended that to strengthen this connection, it is necessary to provide research and development funds from the government and cooperation agencies, and industry co-funding will be encouraging.