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 more detailed consultation of Higher Education and Enterprise actors with input and opinion sought on the benefits of, and barriers to, successful University-Business Cooperation (UBC). Having considered the core principles and broader priorities of UBC, the report moves on to present existing practices in five partner countries (Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Spain), putting higher education and business perspectives side-by-side and reflecting on challenges, influencing factors, outcomes and impact through assessing and interpreting the gathered data. Source data was gathered through 59 in-depth interviews, in 2013, at least half of which involved enterprise or labour market actors.
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 report compares higher education and enterprise perspectives with resultant data and conclusions building on associated surveys and materials (some of which are separately presented in the WBL Toolkit). Findings are equally useful for those governing and initiating cooperation and collaboration as they are for those working to strengthen or extend existing partnerships, with insights provided in terms of existing models, models and approaches alongside key areas for future development. The report exists in English only.