University-industry collaborations in Pakistan: current challenges and future opportunities
ISSN: 1463-6689
Article publication date: 17 May 2021
Issue publication date: 13 July 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify current challenges that hinder university–industry (U-I) collaboration in Pakistan and presents future opportunities for promoting such collaborations in developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory study presents new empirical evidence obtained from Pakistan via a questionnaire survey of 24 universities, 25 interviews with key stakeholders including industry managers and outputs from a high level workshop event.
Findings
Although there is limited evidence of U-I engagement in Pakistan, the findings show that a lack of coordination between government, universities and industrial firms has hindered knowledge transfer between universities and industry. Such steps as utilising intermediaries to help broker effective collaborations and building trust-based relationships can help in socialising these types of scientific activities.
Research limitations/implications
Any overall conclusions drawn from this exploratory study can only be tentative, as the findings represent a snapshot of current U-I collaboration initiatives in Pakistan.
Practical implications
Less stringent policy interventions from government entities, as well as more universities willing to invite industry input on their board of studies might enable co-development of some university curriculums with industry partners. U-I collaborations could also help to boost innovation efforts in developing country firms.
Originality/value
This paper also offers awareness into benefits of teaching activity collaboration with industry partners, which has been an under explored area of past U-I collaboration studies. The findings should be of interest for both innovation policy and higher education policy researchers.
Keywords
Citation
Malik, K., Bashir, T. and Ali, T.M. (2021), "University-industry collaborations in Pakistan: current challenges and future opportunities", Foresight, Vol. 23 No. 4, pp. 496-508. https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-12-2020-0133
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited