Teaching benefits of multi-helix university-industry research collaborations: Towards a holistic framework

Abstract

Despite universities' effort towards contributing to society and economy through multi-helix or multi-party university-industry research collaborations (UIRCs) involving industry, government and community organisations, the impact of such activities on teaching remains unclear. This paper aims to fill this research lacuna. Using a multiple case study approach, the paper provides evidence from seven multi-helix UIRCs taking place in five Indian universities. We first unveil the different roles played by individual actors from the collaborating partner organisations involved in the multi-helix UIRCs, specifically industry scientists (from the collaborating partner company), funding administrators (from the governmental funding body that sponsors the collaboration), community representatives (from the collaborating community organisation) and UIRC-affiliated academics involved in the teaching activities of the collaborating university. Then, we explain various individual-level and organisational-level conditions that enable and constrain these actors' involvement in teaching, and ultimately their efficacy. These findings help us develop a holistic framework for involving UIRC actors in teaching at partner universities.