Academia-industry skills collaboration: A design blueprint for campus space interaction

Abstract

Universities are under increasing pressure to design campus environments preparing graduates for industry. This research is topical in analysing campus space design underpinning meaningful skills collaboration between academics, students, employers and professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs). This Ireland and UK study utilised qualitative phenomenological research. Literature regarding academia-industry collaboration was analysed. Data collection involved 45 university and industry participants in semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Research participant selection utilised purposive sampling. Collaborative Advantage Theory ( Vangen and Huxham, 2013 ) provided a conceptual lens on key collaboration phenomena. Thematic analysis identified key themes concerning collaborative space design, as thematic analysis interoperates with phenomenological research for meeting aims of understanding lived experience. Practical enablers and barriers to campus-based collaborative space design for academia-industry interaction were identified, highlighting campus space and curriculum design interaction to support authentic collaboration. Data analysis revealed new collaborative design principles, and practical blueprints for campus-based academia-industry engagement. The research connects spatial and curricular perspectives, advancing authentic academia-industry campus design understanding for graduate skills transformation, and is original in researching universities and industry on space design for academia-industry engagement. The findings generate value through future conceptualisations of campus-based academia-industry collaboration.