Developed as a part of the EMCOSU (Emerging Modes of Cooperation between Private Sector Organisations and Universities) project, involving University and Enterprise partners from six European countries, this publication presents the results of a survey into the perspectives of Higher Education Institutions on University-Business Cooperation (UBC). The survey sought input on a number of important themes and perspectives, with the final report extending to: Current UBC Practices and Experiences, Institutional Motivation, Targeted Companies, Barriers, Benefits, Development Needs and National Landscapes. The report itself takes the form of a series of short reports – presenting the results of interviews in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Spain, with a sixth chapter covering wider European perspectives. A total of 60 interviews took place within and beyond the core countries with each bringing forth distinct yet complementary conclusions.
Whilst the initial data set centres predominantly on five European countries, there are a number of key messages provided in this report, which are just as relevant to those operating in other institutions, countries or localities. Notably, the focus of this report is on Higher Education Institutions yet there are a number of complementary reports and materials (each separately presented in the WBL Toolkit) that widen the scope of the initial investigation to other actors and stakeholders, including employers and labour market actors. Findings are equally useful for those governing and initiating cooperation and collaboration as they are for those working to strengthen or extend existing partnerships. The report exists in English only.