University—Industry Cooperation: A Framework of Benefits and Obstacles

Abstract

Although university–industry collaboration has existed for a long time, activity has increased significantly over the past decade. Now, both higher education and industry are experiencing cultural change, and cooperation between the sectors is considered a social responsibility. If there is no longer a need to argue the importance of university–industry links, it is nevertheless necessary to examine in depth how they may be strengthened and improved, and how the various obstacles to further cooperation may be overcome. This article, first, assesses the benefits that arise from university–industry interaction. It then analyses the obstacles to university–firm cooperation and examines ways to overcome them.