Challenges in developing university-industry relationship: Quantitative evidence from higher education institutions in the UAE

Background and objective: The lack of human and intellectual resources and capital has affected the survival of different industries and organizations in this globally competitive world. Universities have failed to provide necessary human resources to these organizations. The coordination between industries and universities is not optimal. Such challenges are being faced in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); therefore, there is a need to investigate the reasons behind these challenges to develop an ideal university-industry relationship in UAE. The present study aims to evaluate the missing links in the relationships between universities and industries of UAE. Methods: A quantitative research design has been used to recruit 100 department heads and senior professors from 20 public and private universities in the UAE. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis and factor analysis have been used to analyze the data collected through SPSS v.20. Results: The results have shown a significant and positive impact of intellectual property (IP) policies (p = 0.045) and scientific knowledge (p = 0.023) on knowledge transfer; IP policies (p = 0.067), shared governance (p = 0.018) and scientific knowledge (p = 0.017) on trust; IP policies (p = 0.069), shared governance (p = 0.034) and scientific knowledge (p = 0.018) on innovation performance. Conclusion: The findings have suggested that the role of interorganizational governance mechanisms is important in university industry collaborations to increase trust, innovation, and shared governance.