Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this research is to propose a framework for Assessing the Effectiveness of University-Industry Collaboration in science & technology in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Design/methodology/approach – A literature review was carried out on the topic and different variables/factors were derived and categorized into four categories; namely: Relational factors, Institutional/Academic factors, Organizational/Industrial factors, and Knowledge / Technology Transfer factors. Empirical research involved two phases, in phase 1 Delphi approach was used to
validate the conceptual model constructed from the literature review (qualitative method). In phase 2, semi-structured interviews with 52 university professors and industry experts were administered allowing hypotheses testing to measure the effectiveness of the university-industry collaboration in Bahrain (mixed Approach).
Findings – The findings in phase 1 showed that the Delphi process managed to validate the conceptual model by moving forward the conceptual framework with 19 variables instead of 25 to be used in phase 2. And the findings in phase 2 exhibited that 12 out of 19 variables showed correlation with university-industry collaboration in Bahrain which means that Bahrain current collaborations are effective even though it is still in its early stages of establishing collaborations in science and technology sector which is reflected in the remaining neglected variables.
Practical implications – The framework constructed can be applied to assess the effectiveness of university-industry collaborations in Bahrain as well as in GCC countries to help initiate and manage partnerships effectively and ensure economical, and social benefits to both sectors.
Originality/value – The conceptual framework of assessing the effectiveness of UIC in Bahrain is built on previous literature and endured the Delphi process for validation. It is constructed to provide the universities and the industry sector with a road-map to identify which factors that are
essential for initiating and maintaining such effective partnerships in the Kingdom.
Recommendations – Addressed to three parties such as Institutions, Industry, and the Government to work on certain elements and reach the 2030 vision of having a knowledge economy such elements are transparency and communication.
Keywords Research – Universities, Industry, Collaboration, Partnership, Conceptual Framework, Relational, Institutional/Academic, Organizational/Industrial, Knowledge/Technology Transfer, Factors, Kingdom of Bahrain.