The role of university-industry collaboration in the development of a knowledge economy: case study of universities in the United Arab Emirates. (2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bhayani, Ali
• Is Part Of: World review of science, technology and sustainable development. Volume 12:Number 2(2015)
• Page Start: 173
• Page End: 191
• Publication Date: 2015
• Subjects: higher education -- entrepreneurship -- SMEs -- small and medium-sized enterprises -- knowledge economy -- university-industry cooperation -- industrial collaboration case study -- UAE universities -- United Arab Emirates; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; Appropriate technology -- Periodicals; Technology transfer -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Periodicals; 338.92705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-2242

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 university-industry 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.