Industry Collaboration Research Articles

Unpacking social capital in University–Industry Collaborations: Pathways to cross-industry knowledge sharing

Unpacking social capital in University–Industry Collaborations: Pathways to cross-industry knowledge sharing

Potentials and challenges of biofuels as a replacement for naphtha in steam cracking units

Bio-naphtha is gaining importance as a renewable feedstock for fossil naphtha in steam cracking which is one of the most critical steps in the manufacture of ethylene and other olefins within the petrochemical industry. Manufactured from biomass, waste oils, and algae; bio-naphtha is associated with considerable environmental benefits from the lower carbon footprint while also meeting global sustainability goals. This review describes the production routes of bio-naphtha, its chemical and physical properties, and its compatibility with steam cracking technologies as they currently stand. While bio-naphtha exhibits comparable ethylene yields to fossil naphtha and lower impurities, challenges persist due to feedstock variability, pretreatment requirements, and generally high production costs. Of the developing technologies, this review identifies hydrothermal liquefaction and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis as key to the scaling and cost-effectiveness of bio-naphtha. These could be facilitated by the adoption of policy interventions, such as subsidies and blending mandates. Conclusively, coordinated research effort, industry collaboration, and regulatory support will enable biomonomers like bio-naphtha to become key enablers for the decarbonization of the petrochemical value chain and the circular economy.

Designing an AI-enhanced blockchain and FinTech curriculum for youth: a case study of educational and industrial collaboration

Designing an AI-enhanced blockchain and FinTech curriculum for youth: a case study of educational and industrial collaboration

Bridging the Skills Gap: The Role of Vocational Education in Developing Competent Human Resources for Sustainable Tourism

The increasing demand for skilled human resources in the sustainable tourism sector highlights the critical role of vocational education in bridging the skills gap. This study aims to explore how vocational education programs can effectively equip individuals with the competencies needed for sustainable tourism development. Using a qualitative approach, the research employs literature review and library research methods to analyze existing studies, reports, and theoretical frameworks. The findings reveal that vocational education contributes significantly to the development of technical and soft skills, such as hospitality management, cultural sensitivity, environmental stewardship, and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, integrating sustainability principles into vocational curricula enhances students' awareness of ecological and socio-cultural impacts, fostering a workforce that aligns with global sustainability goals. The study identifies challenges, including outdated curricula, limited industry collaboration, and insufficient funding, which hinder the full potential of vocational education in addressing skills gaps. However, strategies such as strengthening partnerships between educational institutions and industry stakeholders, updating curricula to reflect current market needs, and investing in training infrastructure are crucial for overcoming these barriers. This research underscores the transformative potential of vocational education in shaping a competent workforce that can drive sustainable tourism practices. The findings provide practical insights for policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to enhance vocational education's contribution to the sustainable tourism sector.

The Role of Circular Economy in Green Entrepreneurship: Sustainable Business Models

The circular economy has emerged as a transformative framework for achieving sustainability in entrepreneurship by minimizing waste, optimizing resource use, and promoting regenerative business practices. Unlike the traditional linear economy that follows a "take, make, dispose" model, the circular economy encourages businesses to adopt reduce, reuse, recycle, and regenerate principles. This study explores the role of circular economy practices in green entrepreneurship, focusing on how sustainable business models integrate environmental responsibility with economic viability. Using a qualitative research approach, this study examines case studies of green entrepreneurs who have successfully implemented circular business models across various industries, including renewable energy, eco-friendly manufacturing, waste management, and sustainable agriculture. The findings indicate that businesses adopting circular economy principles experience benefits such as cost savings, enhanced brand reputation, regulatory compliance, and long-term profitability. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of scalability, consumer awareness, and access to financing. The study underscores the importance of policy support, technological innovation, and industry collaboration in accelerating the transition toward circular entrepreneurship. By integrating circular economy strategies into their business operations, green entrepreneurs can drive sustainable economic growth, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to global climate resilience. The findings provide valuable insights for business leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates on fostering a thriving circular economy ecosystem.

Assessing the impact of network embeddedness on SMEs innovation performance through resource bricolage: a mediated-moderated model

Abstract The main objective of this study is to investigate the impact of network embeddedness, resource bricolage and organizational readiness on innovation performance based on social network theory and resource-based view. The study employed a convenience sampling technique for research survey. Data was collected from owners and CEOs of 379 small and medium-sized enterprises, operating in Pakistan. The study carried out partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis. The results showed that network embeddedness significantly affects innovation performance through partial mediation of resource bricolage, whereas organizational readiness positively moderates the relationship between resource bricolage and innovation performance. These findings provide a novel theoretical framework to bridge critical gaps in the existing literature. Current research extends the existing literature by integrating social network theory and resource-based view, particularly in the context of innovation performance of small and medium-sized enterprises. These results indicate that enterprises can manage resource-constraint challenges through business networks and bricolage practices and foster innovation performance. The study findings also provide practical insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers and institutions and recommends that business collaborations with efficient resource management and strategic preparedness, can achieve high level of innovation performance. The theoretical and practical implications improvise the strategic competitiveness, industrial collaborations and long-term sustainability for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Gender disparities in industry payments to neurosurgeons: a comprehensive analysis of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Open Payments data (2016-2022).

This study aimed to investigate the extent of gender disparities in financial interactions between neurosurgeons and the medical device industry, examining the differences in the number, amount, and types of payments made to male and female neurosurgeons. Utilizing data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Open Payments database covering 2016-2022, the authors conducted a comprehensive analysis of industry payments to neurosurgeons. This methodology included univariate and multivariate analyses to examine the disparities in payments, with a focus on identifying significant differences in compensation across genders. An analysis of 24,074 industry transactions totaling $388,916,456.88 underscored pronounced gender disparities, with female neurosurgeons involved in merely 2.47% of these transactions and receiving just 0.91% of the overall financial value. The data revealed significant discrepancies in compensation between genders across all contributing companies. Male neurosurgeons engaged in a higher average number of annual transactions compared with their female counterparts (4.60 vs 2.75, p < 0.001), across various financial interactions. This included a greater participation in royalties and licenses (1.49 vs 0.31, p < 0.001), consulting fees (2.16 vs 1.63, p = 0.024), and acquisitions (0.01 vs 0.00, p = 0.006). On average, female neurosurgeons were compensated $16,303.66, starkly lower than the $75,523.20 average received by their male counterparts (p < 0.005). This gap was especially significant in royalties and licenses, where females earned an average of $5168.57 compared with $61,898.47 for males (p = 0.004). Additionally, in acquisitions, female neurosurgeons received no payments at all, whereas males averaged $2153.43 (p = 0.042). Several of these disparities remained significant even after accounting for potential confounding factors, highlighting a systematic bias in compensation and industry engagement against female neurosurgeons. The study underscores a significant gender-based disparity in the financial interactions between neurosurgeons and the medical device industry. These disparities highlight the need for systemic changes to address the underlying factors contributing to inequity in compensation and industry collaboration opportunities. Implementing equitable compensation structures, mentorship programs, and inclusive policies is a crucial step toward achieving gender parity in neurosurgery and ensuring the field benefits from the diverse skills and perspectives of all its members.

Predictive Maintenance in Semiconductor Manufacturing: Leveraging IoT Sensor Data for Equipment Reliability

Abstract—Predictive maintenance (PdM) has emerged as a transformative approach in semiconductor manufacturing, leveraging IoT sensor data to enhance equipment reliability and optimize production processes. This review explores the implementation of predictive maintenance strategies in semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on the role of IoT sensor networks, advanced analytics techniques, and integration with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). IoT sensor networks enable comprehensive real-time data collection on equipment performance and environmental conditions, thereby providing a foundation for predictive maintenance. Time series forecasting algorithms, such as ARIMA, exponential smoothing, and machine learning-based approaches, are employed to anticipate potential equipment failures. Anomaly detection techniques, including statistical methods and machine-learning algorithms, are used to identify unusual patterns or behaviors that are indicative of impending issues. The integration of predictive maintenance insights with MES allows for real-time decision making, process optimization, and improved overall equipment effectiveness. However, challenges persist in terms of data quality, scalability, and cybersecurity, requiring ongoing research and industry collaboration. Early adopters reported significant reductions in unplanned downtime, optimized maintenance schedules, and improved product quality. As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, predictive maintenance is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining competitiveness and meeting the growing demand. Further research, standardization efforts, and development of best practices are essential to fully realize the potential of predictive maintenance in semiconductor manufacturing. Keywords—predictive maintenance (PdM), semiconductor manufacturing, IoT sensor data, equipment reliability, forecasting, anomaly detection, unplanned downtime, product quality

Critical Analysis of Technologies Enhancing Supply Chain Collaboration in the Food Industry: A Nigerian Survey

Critical Analysis of Technologies Enhancing Supply Chain Collaboration in the Food Industry: A Nigerian Survey

Global Trends in Vocational Training Education: A Bibliometric Analysis

In an era of rapid technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes, vocational training education is crucial for preparing individuals to meet global workforce demands. This study examines global trends in vocational training technologies through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. It explores the temporal evolution of research trends, identifies seminal contributions, highlights emerging topics, and traces the dissemination of knowledge in vocational training education, providing essential insights for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders. Bibliometric analysis offers a systematic and quantitative method to examine scholarly output, citation patterns, and collaborative dynamics across vocational training research. An initial search yielded 1,388 articles, refined to 465 by excluding non-English articles and reviews, with 366 articles selected for bibliometric analysis from the Scopus database (2020-2024). VOSviewer software was used for clustering and mapping bibliometric data, utilizing keyword co-occurrence analysis, citation analysis, and co-citation analysis to explore novel technologies, pedagogical approaches, and policy frameworks. The study reveals consistent research activity with stable publication numbers from 2020 to 2021, a surge in 2022 and 2023, and a decline in 2024. Key trends include the integration of digital tools, policy and governance studies, industry collaboration, inclusivity, and green skills. Collaborative networks highlight global interconnectedness and knowledge exchange dynamics. Bibliometric coupling analysis uncovers intellectual connections and interdisciplinary intersections fostering innovation and impact. This study provides strategic insights for policymakers and educators, aiding informed decision-making and policy alignment. It identifies research gaps, emerging topics, and enhances collaboration and networking, supporting effective knowledge exchange and resource allocation by funding agencies.

Eco-Labelling of Products as a Tool for Environmental Protection

The increasing awareness of environmental degradation has led to a growing demand for sustainable products, prompting the adoption of eco-labelling as a pivotal tool for environmental protection. This article aims to examine eco-labelling's multifaceted role in fostering environmentally responsible consumer choices and incentivising businesses to embrace sustainable practices. By providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and mechanisms underlying eco-labelling, the paper explores how these labels communicate vital information about a product's ecological impact to consumers. Drawing insights from case studies and existing frameworks, the article evaluates the effectiveness of various eco-labelling programs in influencing consumer behaviour and steering market forces toward sustainability. However, it also addresses challenges such as greenwashing and the lack of standardised criteria, proposing potential solutions to enhance the credibility and transparency of eco-labels. Furthermore, the discussion encompasses the regulatory landscape and industry collaboration, emphasising the crucial role of government policies and collective efforts in fortifying the success of eco-labelling initiatives. In conclusion, the article asserts that eco-labelling is a dynamic force for environmental protection, urging continuous research, collaboration, and refinement to solidify its impact on shaping a more sustainable and eco-conscious marketplace.

Sustainable Food Ingredients: Micro-Algae as Source Bioactive Compounds

Microalgae hold immense promise as a sustainable, bioactive source of functional food additives, presenting a unique profile of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), carotenoids, vitamins, peptides, and polysaccharides with notable health benefits. Known for their ability to produce compounds like astaxanthin and lutein, Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella zofingiensis, and Spirulina contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and visual health when incorporated into food products. Unlike traditional crops, microalgae cultivation requires fewer resources (minimizing land, water, and carbon footprint) while achieving higher photosynthetic efficiency, making them a sustainable solution well-aligned with modern food production goals. However, despite their potential, the mainstream adoption of microalgae-derived bioactives is limited by challenges such as high production costs, complex extraction processes, and stringent regulatory barriers, particularly in markets like the EU. To address these limitations, advancements in photobioreactor technology, biorefinery approaches, and genetic engineering have shown promise in enhancing yield and reducing costs, thereby positioning microalgae as economically viable alternatives to synthetic additives. Furthermore, innovations in encapsulation and bioavailability improvement are advancing, making microalgal compounds more effective and stable in various food systems. This article explores the significant role microalgae could play in food sustainability, reviewing recent research and industry insights to propose practical solutions that encourage broader integration of microalgal bioactives in global markets. Through strategic technological improvements and supportive policy frameworks, the food industry could embrace microalgae-derived compounds, paving the way for resilient food systems that address consumer demands for natural, health-promoting ingredients. With ongoing academic and industrial collaboration, microalgae’s high nutritional value and environmental benefits can be leveraged to support both human health and ecological sustainability, signifying their crucial place in future food innovation.

Acquisition of Goat and Sheep Farming Knowledge and Artificial Insemination Technology of Nanomaterial-Assisted Semen Sexing for Farmers in Wagir District, Malang Regency

In accordance with the Malang Regency Regional Development Plan, Wagir District is one of the Livestock Centre’s in Malang Regency because of its higher population of goats and sheep. However, the lack of goat and sheep farming knowledge as well as lack numbers of superior quality and quantity of lambs become main problems for realizing that plan. Therefore, a four-helix joint program was conducted through the collaboration of farmer communities, universities, industries, and local government to solve those problems. The community empowerment was aimed to improve the goat and sheep husbandry knowledges and farming skills as well as to train farmers in applying the artificial insemination technology with nanomaterial-assisted semen sexing to improve the availability of superior lambs of goats and sheep and sustaining the quantity and quality of goats and sheep in Wagir District of Malang Regency. The approach of participatory action and learning system was conducted through the community empowerment program, including valuable activities, namely focus group discussion, training, and direct practice, mentoring and field monitoring in 12 villages. The results of this program showed that the farmer awareness, knowledge, and skills on practicing good farming of goat and sheep as well as the application of the artificial insemination technology with nanomaterial-assisted semen sexing increased significantly from 20% to 90%. The social and economic impacts of the application of artificial insemination technology of nanomaterial-assisted sexing semen are the significant increase of goats and sheep farming productivity and the strengthening of livestock business management.

The Concept Directions of Development 21st Century Vocational Education

Education is believed to be a key factor in enhancing human knowledge, skills, and values essential for improving quality of life. Through literature studies from national and international journals and books, this research analyses the current state and future trajectory of Indonesian vocational education. This study aims to examine the concept and development directions of vocational education in Indonesia within the context of 21stcentury challenges. The findings indicate that Indonesian education is evolving towards developing analytical, creative, and innovative thinking capacities. The business and industrial sectors have high expectations for educational outcomes, particularly regarding graduate competencies that can advance workplace missions. While the government has implemented supportive policies, including Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2016 and Presidential Regulation No. 68 of 2022, alongside the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar curriculum, there remains a need for better direction and facility support at the regional level for effective program implementation. These reforms aim to strengthen industry collaboration, enhance teaching quality, and develop both technical and entrepreneurial skills among students. The research concludes that while progress has been made in aligning vocational education with industry needs and 21st-century skill requirements, continued focus on infrastructure development, teacher quality, and industry partnerships is essential for achieving optimal outcomes in Indonesian vocational education.

Fostering Transparency and Trust in Digital Advertising Through a Unified Blockchain Framework

The digital advertising sector is plagued by fraud, opacity, and inefficiency, eroding stakeholder trust and economic outcomes. Despite advances in digital marketing technologies, significant gaps remain in combating fraudulent activities and ensuring transparency. Addressing these challenges, this article proposes the AdChain framework, leveraging blockchain technology to revolutionise digital advertising by fostering transparency, reducing fraud, and enhancing operational efficiency. AdChain reconfigures the advertising landscape through a blockchain-based solution that ensures the authenticity and verifiability of ad engagements. By utilising blockchain’s intrinsic attributes, such as decentralisation, immutability, and transparency, AdChain aims to streamline digital advertising practices and restore trust among stakeholders. Using a qualitative approach, the study delineates the AdChain framework’s architecture, emphasising its decentralised nature, immutable records, and transparent processes. These features are designed to mitigate the prevalent issues in digital advertising, providing a more secure and efficient environment for all participants. Our findings indicate that AdChain effectively addresses advertising fraud and enhances the consumer experience by prioritising privacy and data control. This results in substantial economic benefits, optimising advertisers’ return on investment (ROI) and increasing publishers’ revenues. However, realising AdChain’s full potential requires overcoming several obstacles, including technical challenges related to scalability and system integration. Additionally, barriers to widespread adoption, such as regulatory uncertainties and the necessity for industry collaboration and standardisation, must be addressed. Despite these challenges, AdChain presents a promising avenue for transforming digital advertising, offering a robust solution to longstanding issues and paving the way for a more transparent and efficient advertising ecosystem.

Team Temporal Leadership and its impact on Retention of Admissions – An Empirical Evidence from the select Higher Education institutions

The decline in engineering admissions in India has raised significant concerns regarding the future of technical education in the country. Despite the historical emphasis on engineering as a primary career path, the steady reduction in enrolment poses challenges to both the educational system and the workforce. This study explores the role of temporal leadership in addressing this decline and improving student retention in engineering programs. Temporal leadership, characterized by effective time management, curriculum responsiveness, proactive student engagement, and timely industry collaboration, is proposed as a crucial strategy for aligning academic institutions with evolving industry needs. The study identifies key variables such as real-time feedback mechanisms, academic scheduling, and resource allocation, which can enhance student satisfaction and engagement. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of temporal leadership in addressing regional disparities and institutional variations. Given the rapid pace of technological advancements and shifting student preferences, a more responsive and adaptive approach to higher education leadership is essential. This research aims to fill gaps in existing literature by offering actionable insights into the integration of temporal leadership strategies for enhancing student retention and ensuring the relevance of engineering education in India.

Analysis on Influencing Factors of Grain Yield under the Grain Supply Chain in Heilongjiang

Limited agricultural production combined with the increasing food demand has led to the Grain Supply Chain instability and food supply conflicts, particularly in Heilongjiang province, a major grain-producing region of China. Increasing grain yield has become the key area of study among researchers. This study constructs a Multiple Linear Regression model based on Stepwise Regression analysis with R software and Eviews to investigate eight factors influencing grain yield in Heilongjiang province from 1992 to 2022 by utilizing methods such as White-test, Durbin-Watson Test, and Variance Inflation Factor to validate this model. According to the findings, an increase in Grain Sown Area, Effective Irrigated Area, and Value Added in Primary Industry, correlates with an increase in Grain Yield. In contrast, an increase in Disaster-Affected Areas and Employment in Primary Industry is associated with a decrease in Grain Yield. In addition, an in-depth analysis regarding the negative coefficient associated with Employment in the Primary Industry was conducted by integrating the Law of Diminishing Marginal Returns. It was concluded that the incompatibility of the initial hypothesis may be attributed to the educational level of Employment in Primary Industry and the efficiency of grain production. To establish a more stable, efficient, and flexible Grain Supply Chain system, it is recommended to enhance resource utilization, strengthen disaster monitoring, control inefficient labor productivity, and promote industrial collaboration to satisfy the increasing demand for boosted Grain Yield.

A thematic review of 45 years of The Journal of Technology Transfer

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to examine the thematic evolution of The Journal of Technology Transfer over 45 years. Over this period, there have been significant changes to the practice and organization of technology transfer. There also has been a significant growth in scholarship attention from different disciplinary areas on different aspects of technology transfer from macro, meso, and micro perspectives. We take a bibliometric approach to undertake an analysis to identify key phases and themes. We identified five distinct phases, namely foundational, technology transfer and university industry collaboration, technology transfer and entrepreneurial dynamics, academic entrepreneurship and sustainable technology transfer. Furthermore, based on this analysis, we reflect on key drivers that will influence and shape future research avenues.

Deep regression analysis for enhanced thermal control in photovoltaic energy systems.

Efficient cooling systems are critical for maximizing the electrical efficiency of Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. However, conventional temperature probes often fail to capture the spatial variability in thermal patterns across panels, impeding accurate assessment of cooling system performance. Existing methods for quantifying cooling efficiency lack precision, hindering the optimization of PV system maintenance and renewable energy output. This research introduces a novel approach utilizing deep learning techniques to address these limitations. A U-Net architecture is employed to segment solar panels from background elements in thermal imaging videos, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of cooling system efficiency. Two predictive models-a 3-layer Feedforward Neural Network (FNN) and a proposed Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-are developed and compared for estimating cooling percentages from individual images. The study aims to enhance the precision and reliability of heat mapping capabilities for non-invasive, vision-based monitoring of photovoltaic cooling dynamics. By leveraging deep regression techniques, the proposed CNN model demonstrates superior predictive capability compared to traditional methods, enabling accurate estimation of cooling efficiencies across diverse scenarios. Experimental evaluation illustrates the supremacy of the CNN model in predictive capability, yielding a mean square error (MSE) of just 0.001171821, as opposed to the FNN's MSE of 0.016. Furthermore, the CNN demonstrates remarkable improvements in mean absolute error (MAE) and R-square, registering values of 1.2% and 0.95, respectively, whereas the FNN posts comparatively inferior numbers of 3.5% and 0.85. This research introduces labeled thermal imaging datasets and tailored deep learning architectures, accelerating advancements in renewable energy technology solutions. Moreover, the study provides insights into the practical implementation and cost-effectiveness of the proposed cooling efficiency monitoring system, highlighting hardware requirements, integration with existing infrastructure, and sensitivity analysis. The economic viability and scalability of the system are assessed through comprehensive cost-benefit analysis and scalability assessment, demonstrating significant potential for cost savings and revenue increases in large-scale PV installations. Furthermore, strategies for addressing limitations, enhancing predictive accuracy, and scaling to larger datasets are discussed, laying the groundwork for future research and industry collaboration in the field of photovoltaic thermal management optimization.

Advancing Technology Education in Uzbekistan’s Secondary Schools

In the evolving global economy, integrating technology into education is essential for workforce readiness and innovation. Uzbekistan’s “Technology” curriculum in secondary education bridges theory and practice across nine subfields, including robotics, electronics, and traditional crafts. However, gaps remain in practical training, teacher development, accessibility, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. This study aims to evaluate the curriculum’s alignment with global best practices and propose targeted enhancements. Results highlight the need for improved industry partnerships, teacher training, equitable access, and sustainability-focused modules. The novelty lies in actionable strategies to modernize the curriculum, ensuring it fosters skills for the 21st-century labor market. Implications suggest the curriculum’s potential to drive workforce readiness, economic growth, and cultural preservation in Uzbekistan. Highlights: Integration of Skills: The "Technology" curriculum combines traditional crafts with modern disciplines like robotics and electronics to foster balanced education. Global Alignment: Benchmarking against global best practices highlights gaps in practical training, teacher development, and sustainability. Future Impact: Enhancing accessibility, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration will ensure workforce readiness and economic growth. Keywords: Technology Curriculum, Vocational Education, Workforce Readiness, Practical Training