University-industry Collaboration Research Articles

Unlocking the potential of university-industry collaborations in African higher education: A comprehensive examination of agricultural faculties

This paper delves into integrating industry perspectives into Sub-Saharan African agricultural education, exploring collaboration challenges and benefits. It comprehensively analyses factors influencing university-industry collaboration in the region where literature is scarce, as well as the related strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The study draws insights from case studies of eight universities in Eastern, Western, and Northern regions of Africa. Key findings include effective management, stakeholder engagement, and the N-tuple Helix Model, crucial for successful university-industry collaboration that offers many benefits, including improved student employability, technology transfer, innovative research, and industry-aligned curriculum development. However, university-industry collaboration also faces several challenges, such as reduced funding, industry reluctance, and intellectual property protection issues. The study highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to fostering successful university-industry collaboration in African universities, considering institutional, stakeholder, relationship, and output factors. Tailoring strategies to unique contexts and priorities is essential for building sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Exploring the role of self-determination theory and theory of planned behaviour in understanding the link between spiritual motivation and university-industry collaboration

PurposeUniversity-industry collaboration studies have placed greater emphasis on intrinsic motivators that drive academic researchers to pursue collaboration. This paper explores the relationship between spiritual motivation and collaboration intentions mediated the antecedents of university-level collaboration through theories of self-determination and planned behaviour. This study was conducted to validate the proposed relationship between spirituality and academic researchers in the field of engineering affiliated with higher educational institutions in India.Design/methodology/approachThis study surveyed 242 participants and utilised structural equation modelling. Research has found that the beneficial relationship between spiritual motivation and collaboration intentions is mediated by attitudes and perceived behavioural control. This study represents a quantitative investigation within the realm of university-industry collaboration, which aims to document the ways in which spiritual motivation can augment collaboration with industry. The study employs self-determination theory and the theory of planned behaviour to elucidate the underlying mechanism to support entrepreneurial debate.FindingsThis study identified attitude and perceived behavioural control as mediators in the relationship between spiritual motivation and collaboration intentions.Originality/valueThe results of this study provide additional support for existing theories and present a diverse perspective on the intrinsic motivation of academic researchers to adopt UIC.

Developing indicators for the social benefits of university-industry collaborations

This paper focuses on the social benefits of university-industry collaborations (UICs) based on the cases of winners of the Industry-Academia Collaboration Prize presented by the UK Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) (2010–2023). The research question, which concerns the social and environmental benefits of UICs, has received little attention in the literature, as it focuses mainly on their economic effects. Taking the framework approach to thematic analysis, a list of thematic indicators, which serve as benchmark criteria for evaluating the social impact of UICs in medical, pharmaceutical and chemical industries, is developed. The use of a case study to identify indicators via this approach is appropriate for generating in-depth insights into the characteristics of UICs that have considerable societal impacts. Knowledge creation and contribution to training and improved skills levels constitute the main social benefits of UICs in the three industries cited above. Our findings have practical and theoretical implications, as they emphasize the importance of UICs in fulfilling a specific function in society, namely, facilitating research and developing skills that make the world a better place.

Vocational teachers’ perceptions on workplace learning in facilitating students’ professional engagement in the context of industry-university collaboration in China

PurposeThis study aims to explore vocational teachers' perceptions regarding workplace learning that align with students' training models and collaborative teaching involving specialised professionals within the context of industry-university collaboration.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative approach, the study conducted nine semi-structured interviews from three subject areas to better understand how vocational teachers’ work-based learning enhances their pedagogical practice in guiding students’ professional training. Thematic analysis was adopted to identify patterns that emerged from concepts and theories related to coding categories.FindingsThe authors identified three key components: vocational teachers’ workplace learning in connection with students’ training models, collaborative teaching with specialised professionals and teachers’ regular interactions with enterprises. The findings demonstrate that vocational teachers’ engagement in workplace learning pertaining to specific subjects provides a valuable avenue for enhancing curriculum design with collaboration with industry experts. This is key for supporting vocational students’ transitions into the workplace and ensuring their knowledge and skills are tailored to the industry-standard practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe data are limited to the review of interviews from three vocational subject areas as the representative sector in the study. However, this research implies effective knowledge transfer between workplace settings and vocational institutions, and vocational teachers need to integrate work-based vocational knowledge and skills in a relevant and applicable way across diverse classroom settings.Practical implicationsFostering collaborative partnerships with local industries and professionals can be a primary way to facilitate authentic learning experiences that are linked to a specific vocational field and bridge the gap between diverse classroom learning and real-world work scenarios.Originality/valueThis study combines contemporary workplace learning theories with the conceptual understanding of vocational teachers’ involvement with industry-specific practice. Connecting teachers’ knowledge to the industry extends the input and collaboration from professionals and field experts to the diverse vocational classrooms.

Understanding university-industry collaboration: a social exchange perspective on the entrepreneurial university

AbstractThe aim of this study is threefold: firstly, to assess how the support provided by universities for academic collaboration with the industry may foster collaborative behaviour, based on academics’ perceptions of the benefits and costs of collaboration. Secondly, the research seeks to unravel the perceived benefits and costs of university-industry (U-I) collaboration among academic staff within three distinct Higher Education Institutes (HEI) located in three different countries. Thirdly, analyse the impacts of these perceived benefits and costs on U-I collaboration behaviour. To reach these purposes, this study used a quantitative approach involving 214 academic staff from three HEI located in Portugal, Poland, and Türkiye, who answered a questionnaire about their collaboration behaviours and their perceptions regarding support provided by the HEI and their personal benefits and costs of engaging in collaborative behaviour. Results from a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) suggest that perceived support diminishes the costs and favours the benefits. Nevertheless, the perceived collaboration costs generally outweigh the benefits. Increasing U-I collaboration implies a more efficient support and the results from this study point to the need to design a system of extrinsic rewards benefiting the heavy collaborators.

Exploring university-industry collaboration in Vietnam: An in-depth review of types and influencing factors

This paper presents a comprehensive literature review on University-Industry Collaboration (UIC) in Vietnam, marking the first systematic examination of practice-based studies within the country. Our review aims to identify key forms and factors influencing UIC implementation in Vietnam, recommending future directions and highlighting key facilitators. Following the PRISMA 2009 guidelines, we identified 256 research papers across four databases (Web of Science, ERIC, ProQuest, and Google Scholar), ultimately selecting 25 papers after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and conducting duplicate removal. Thematic and inductive qualitative content analysis methods were employed to address the review question, revealing observed forms of UIC in Vietnam, including sponsorship, internships, licensing, knowledge transfer, and cooperative recruitment. Influencing factors encompass 10 elements. Our review identifies deficiencies in UIC implementation and suggests potential areas for future development. These findings pave the way for exploring innovative UIC strategies amidst industrialization and globalization.

Integration of Education and Industry in China: Lessons from Germany Applied Universities

This article delves into the significance of harmonizing education with industry requirements, with a focus on the German applied university system and its dual study model. It identifies challenges within the Chinese education-industry integration, such as inadequate cooperation and a skills gap, and contrasts these with the German model, where applied universities effectively bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands. The methodology involves a systematic review of literature to extract insights into how Germany's dual study programs guarantee employment upon graduation and how China can adapt these strategies. A key finding is the importance of a collaborative approach between educational institutions and industries to cultivate a workforce that is equipped to meet the challenges of the modern labor market. The Duale Hochschule Baden-Wuerttemberg (DHBW) is highlighted as a case study, showcasing its successful integration of theoretical and practical education with industry partnerships. It is concluded with recommendations for China to enhance its education-industry integration, advocating for closer university-industry collaboration, decentralized governance, practical program design, flexible learning formats, and supportive policy frameworks. The paper underscores the potential for Chinese applied universities to improve talent cultivation by aligning with industry needs and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, thereby increasing graduates' employability and contributing to societal development.

Evaluation of factors impacting University-Industry collaboration by Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS methods

University-industry collaboration (UIC) is viewed as a means to boost innovation through knowledge sharing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the importance ranking of factors influencing UIC and UIC models in the context of Vietnam. To begin, a systematic literature review (SLR) of previous academic studies on the subject of university-industry collaboration was conducted in order to identify the influential factors in UIC. The order ranking of factors and their relevance weights are then determined using the fuzzy AHP approach. The fuzzy TOPSIS is then used to evaluate three models for UIC, including collaboration in scientific research, technology transfer, and training. The results show that the number of scientists and experts and the awareness of the benefits of cooperation are the most important factors in implementing UIC; meanwhile, the experience of cooperation and training activities and student recruitment activities are evaluated less important than others. In addition, in the context of Vietnam, among UIC models, the technology transfer collaboration should be prioritized. Finally, based on the findings, discussions and policy implications are provided to promote UIC activities.

The role of university–industry linkages in promoting technology transfer: implementation of triple helix model relations

AbstractThis study recognized the importance of linking higher education institutions with various industries in a given country to promote technology transfer and sustainable development. However, in one or another way, the linkage was not well-practiced in Ethiopia. The study aims to assess the role of university–industry linkages in technology transfer and identify the barriers and opportunities of the linkage. Universities have institutionalized intermediary organizations such as technology transfer offices, collaborative research centers, incubators, and science parks to enhance university–industry collaboration. The collaboration between academia and industry is understood as the transactions between universities and firms that involve the exchange of knowledge, skills, resources, and capabilities. The study uses the concept of the triple helix model and proposes the establishment of the Higher Education Institutions–Industry Resource Integration Center as a way forward to solving the problems that Ethiopian industries are facing. A triple helix of university–industry–government relations is emerging as a common format that transcends national boundaries. The integration of these functions is changing the nature of the university and its role in society. The potential for national development in Ethiopia and elsewhere resides in entrepreneurial universities taking the lead in infusing knowledge, innovation, technology, and enterprise into the entire society.

A Systematic Literature Review on University Collaboration in Open Innovation: Trends, Technologies, and Frameworks

Open innovation is a concept of collaboration of ideas, knowledge, and resources that originates from within the organization and involves external organizations. University-industry collaboration is a factor driving innovation and competitiveness. Most research on interactions between universities and industry concentrated on the industrial side meanwhile, universities, as knowledge producers, play a vital role in creating an open innovation ecosystem that encourages realizing innovations that benefit society. Therefore, the problem raised in this research is how university collaboration can support open innovation. This research aims to identify research trends, the latest technologies, and inter-university collaboration frameworks that can support open innovation. The methodology used is Kitchenham's Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and bibliometric. SLR consists of Identification Study, Selection Studies, Quality Assessment, Data Extraction and Study Synthesis. From the SLR stages, 21 papers published between 2019 and 2023 were obtained. Synthesis and additional literature review were carried out to identify trends, technologies, and frameworks related to the topic comprehensively. In terms of trend, based on the application bibliometric, it was found that there was an increase in the number of publications and the top list of open innovation journals. University collaboration in open innovation more frequently takes place in the UK, and the industries mostly involved are small-medium enterprises. Quantitative research methodology and data analyses, comprising of hypothesis test, regression test, and descriptive statistics, are mostly preferred. Meanwhile, descriptive data analysis is the most common means of qualitative data analysis. Numerous suggestions on topics for future research were also identified. In addition, data analysis using machine learning survival data is identified as a novelty among data analysis methods. Technology transfer and the use of digital platforms may support open innovation processes, and the use of blockchain technology may promote digital platforms development. Seven domains form the framework for university collaboration in open innovation, namely Social Behavior, People, Process, Organization, Environment, Technology, and Performance. The findings of trends, technologies, and frameworks in this research may serve as a foundation for research on similar topics, and the identified framework domains could serve as framework components that might be used by universities to collaborate with partners in implementing open innovation processes. The research have contributes to knowledge management theoretically and practically. Theoretically, open innovation can expand the knowledge base by supporting the concept that knowledge and expertise can be found outside organizational boundaries. Practically, it can enrich knowledge management practices by emphasizing the importance of utilizing digital platform technology in supporting knowledge management sourced from external knowledge and collaboration services in the open innovation process.

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

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.

From transfer to co-creation: action research perspectives in knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) projects

Action Research (AR) is about practitioners and academics interacting to generate knowledge. Using the University-Industry Collaboration (UIC) literature, we investigate the knowledge generation process through AR and whether this process can achieve the dual objective of practical relevance and theoretical novelty. Our study explores this through an examination of the utilisation of AR within UICs facilitated by the UK government’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme. Through an inductive, qualitative, multiple case study research design, we analysed three KTP projects, each lasting two years. We observed an evolution in the dynamics of the relationship between practitioners and academics, signifying a transition from mere knowledge transfer to a more participatory process of knowledge co-creation. We found that as the KTP project progresses through successive cycles of the AR spiral, there emerges a shift from single loop to double loop or multi loop learning, resulting in unplanned and emergent benefits and outcomes. This transition signifies a deeper exploration of underlying assumptions and strategies in AR projects, enabling the generation of novel knowledge. We offer a new framework by introducing the collaborative entanglement and linear knowledge enhancement arguments to explain the interaction patterns between researchers and practitioners in AR.

Academic researchers’ motivations to engage in university–industry collaboration in cross-border regions

AbstractMore than ever, universities and policymakers are paying attention to faculty members’ engagement in industries’ projects because university–industry collaboration (UIC) is seen as the key to economic development. However, the UIC differs from country to country, and researchers may have different motivations. This study explored the relationship between university researchers’ motivations and varied UIC channels. A questionnaire was administered to the relevant faculty in public universities in two cross-border regions of Portugal and Spain. Drawing on data gathered from 841 researchers, the results reveal differences in these academics’ motivations to engage in different channels. Pecuniary motivations (i.e., access to funding and commercialization) drive UIC through joint and contract research, while non-pecuniary motivations (i.e., learning opportunities and access to resources) inhibit cooperation through the same two engagement channels. In addition, joint and contract research involvement also depends on researchers’ age, academic status, department size, and field of study. This study provides empirical evidence on the motivations and channels of UIC in two cross-border regions of Portugal and Spain. Furthermore, it presents important results for universities and policymakers who need to increase motivation and improve UIC channels.

ESTABLISHING COOPERATION BETWEEN UNIVERSITY AND INDUSTRY IN KAZAKHSTAN: ANALYSIS OF LEGAL AND POLICY DOCUMENTS

This article examines the legal frameworks and challenges in promoting cooperation between universities and industry in Kazakhstan, emphasizing the initiatives and obstacles in this collaborative endeavour. The focus is on the "Concept of the Development of Higher Education and Science in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023-2029," proposed by the Kazakhstani government, which aims to transform regional universities into innovative hubs closely linked with industry. Although this concept is progressive, the article explains that it requires legislative changes and amendments to be effectively implemented. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education's efforts to propose regulatory changes to improve collaboration between universities and industry and the government's preference for offering incentives to industries are also discussed. However, the article emphasizes the slow speed of legislative processes and a lack of inter-ministerial cooperation as significant challenges that hamper the achievement of these initiatives. The analysis focuses on the only legal provision in place, the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Subsoil Use, which mandates companies to invest in personnel training and research. The article highlights the limited functionality of this Code and the absence of a comprehensive legal framework that mandates industry-university collaboration. Furthermore, the article explores the state's centralized governance and its influence on collaboration between universities and industry in Kazakhstan. The aim is to give a complete comprehension of the current and future possibilities of cooperation, which is necessary for Kazakhstan's socio-economic development and innovation landscape.

Strengthening the Nexus: Policy and Legislative Reforms for University-Industry Collaboration in Kazakhstan

The aim of this study is to examine the synergistic benefits that arise from collaborations between universities and industrial companies, examining the mutual advantages that both entities have. This research evaluates the government's efforts to cultivate such partnerships through a comprehensive documentary analysis of current policy documents and legislation. The findings indicate that a recently established ministry in Kazakhstan is actively developing proposals for legislative amendments to enhance the framework for collaboration between universities and industry. It is noteworthy that the government is providing tax preferences and incentives to industrial entities that collaborate with academic institutions, with the expectation that these measures will lead to beneficial outcomes. Despite these positive measures, the study revealed significant obstacles that prevent effective collaboration, such as legislative gaps and a general apprehension among industrial companies to set partnerships, due to the ineffectiveness of certain laws. The state's limited capacity to motivate participation from these corporations is what makes this reluctance a bigger challenge. This analysis highlights the necessity of strengthening political and legal frameworks to support more effective and productive collaborations between the university and industrial sectors. To bridge these gaps and improve the innovation ecosystem and drive socio-economic progress, this paper calls for a renewed approach to policymaking and legal reforms.

Collaborative research in healthcare: uncovering the impact of industry collaboration on the service innovativeness of university hospitals

AbstractIn the face of the challenges of rising demand and increasing economic pressure, medical service innovations and university hospitals are becoming increasingly important as cornerstones for the continuous development of medical care. Simultaneously, increasing technological complexity, scarce funding, and resource-intensive technology development are forcing university hospitals to open up their internal innovation processes. Numerous studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of cross-sectoral collaboration on the innovation performance of industrial entities, while neglecting the perspective of academic institutions. The impact of industry collaborations on the service innovativeness of university hospitals in particular has not been addressed in previous research. Although the potential for nonlinear effects of university-industry collaborations has been discussed in research, adequate evidence, particularly in the healthcare context, has not been provided. Therefore, this study addresses the questions: (1) What is the impact of university-hospital-industry collaboration (UHIC) on the service innovativeness of university hospitals? (2) Can a nonlinear relationship between UHIC and university hospitals' service innovativeness be empirically verified? The hypotheses are tested based on an unbalanced panel data set, which combines three distinct data sources and comprises annual observations from 2011 until 2019 of all German university hospitals. The findings indicate that the UHIC intensity has a positive effect on university hospitals’ service innovativeness with a one-year time lag. Furthermore, a negative quadratic UHIC effect was found. In doing so, this study complements existing research and opens the black box by uncovering the downside of cross-sectoral collaboration for a more complete understanding of the underlying dynamics of this growing area of research, with a particular focus on university hospitals.

Excelzyme: A Swiss University-Industry Collaboration for Accelerated Biocatalyst Development.

Excelzyme, an enzyme engineering platform located at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, is dedicated to accelerating the development of tailored biocatalysts for large-scale industrial applications. Leveraging automation and advanced computational techniques, including machine learning, efficient biocatalysts can be generated in short timeframes. Toward this goal, Excelzyme systematically selects suitable protein scaffolds as the foundation for constructing complex enzyme libraries, thereby enhancing sequence and structural biocatalyst diversity. Here, we describe applied workflows and technologies as well as an industrial case study that exemplifies the successful application of the workflow.

Why do Industry and University Work Together? The Case of Li2U

This paper explores the dynamics and outcomes of university-industry collaboration (UIC) in the development of a mobile application, "Li2U", designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. The study employs an existing academic literature analysis and case study methodology to analyze the impacts of this collaboration to examine university-industry collaboration. The study delves into the collaborative process, highlighting the roles and contributions of academic researchers, and industry professionals in the app's development. The objective of Li2U is to streamline the internship and job placement process for university students while providing employers with a reliable platform for talent acquisition and student profiling. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on effective university-industry partnerships, offering insights into best practices and the potential for such collaborations to facilitate meaningful educational and economic outcomes. The case of Li2U serves as a model for similar initiatives, underlining the importance of aligning educational programs with industry needs and emerging technological trends

Exploring enablers of internal knowledge dissemination for boundary‐spanning industrial PhD students

Industrial PhD students, affiliating to industrial firms and academic institutions, hold unique boundary‐spanning positions as they engage in knowledge co‐creation through university–industry collaboration (UIC). Despite much research on knowledge transfer processes and boundary spanners in inter‐organizational contexts, firms who engage in UIC remain uncertain about how to reap the benefits of co‐creating knowledge through industrial PhD projects. This paper investigates the enablers of knowledge dissemination for PhD students in industrial firms. Based on a qualitative case study in Sweden, our study identifies enablers and mechanisms related to individual and organizational actions in the internal knowledge dissemination process. Based on the findings, the paper presents a model that distinguishes between surface and deep knowledge dissemination and elaborates on the symbiotic nature of enablers, with middle management mediating between the individual and organizational levels. The paper enhances research on knowledge dissemination in UIC by specifically addressing industrial PhD students' dissemination of co‐created knowledge. The findings inform organizations in managing their expectations, making more informed decisions and improving dissemination conditions for boundary‐spanning industrial PhD students in UIC.

Deciphering the determinants of firm’s engagement with universities: An insight into the Thai industrial landscape

The burgeoning interest in university-industry collaborations (UIC) has sparked significant attention in both management practice and research. However, despite extensive efforts to identify the determinants of UIC, the majority of studies have predominantly focused on the motivations of academic researchers and limited UIC channels. This study aims to delve deeper into the influence of five factors—structural, behavioral, motivational, attitudinal and policy-related on firms' decisions to collaborate with universities across five collaboration forms: research partnership, researcher service, technology transfer, utilization of university facilities, and human resource transfer. The research draws upon original microdata from the Thai Community Innovation survey, encompassing 8701 firms and spanning the years 2015, 2017, and 2018. By employing a multivariate probit model, the results unveil that Thai firms perceiving universities as innovation sources are inclined to engage with them irrespective of the UIC channels. However, the effects of structural, behavioral, and motivational factors differ when influencing industry participation in various UIC modes. Thus, this research significantly contributes to the UIC literature by offering both theoretical and practical insights. The nuanced understanding of the factors influencing collaborative decisions can inform policymakers and managers seeking to foster effective university-industry partnerships. The identified implications underscore the need for a more tailored approach, recognizing the diversity of influences on UIC, thereby advancing both academic discourse and practical strategies in the field.