The role of university-industry collaboration in the development of a knowledge economy: Case study of universities in the United Arab Emirates
RIS ID
104794
Abstract
Countries around the globe are emphasising the development of a knowledge economy to drive growth by encouraging universities to be entrepreneurial. Towards this end, universities in Europe and the USA have pursued university-industry collaboration. This paper presents empirical results from case studies of five United Arab Emirates (UAE) universities to identify underlying drivers and the current state of university-industry relations using in-depth, qualitative and multiple case studies to assess the relevance of university-industry relationships and the underlying barriers and opportunities. UAE universities possess some inherent qualities necessary for universityindustry collaboration. These include steerage and concern for economic surplus as well as operating in a performance driven environment which allows quick response to a dynamic external environment and capitalises on opportunities. However, there are some areas that require further development such as; encouraging a culture of innovation, the provision of incentives to take risks and, targeted support from the state.
Publication Details
Bhayani, A. 2015, 'The role of university-industry collaboration in the development of a knowledge economy: Case study of universities in the United Arab Emirates', World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 173-191.