University–Industry Linkage Practices and Green Innovation for Graduate Employability in Ethiopia: The Moderating Role of Top Management Support

This study investigates the relationship between university–industry linkage (UIL) green innovation (GI) practices in promoting graduate employability (GE), specifically within the Ethiopian context. It examines whether top management support (TMS) moderates this relationship. As eco-innovation is recognized to underpin sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship, this study explores how UIL can promote education for sustainability and increase GE. The study utilized a mixed-method approach by employing quantitative data collected from 517 engineering graduates of Debre Birhan, Wollo, and Bahir Dar University, with qualitative interviews carried out among university leaders, industry managers, and policymakers. The structural equation model (Smart PLS-SEM) was used to examine the relationships among UIL, GI, and TMS. Results show that UIL has a greater impact on GI activities and that this type of learning enhances graduates’ technical, problem-solving, and environmental knowledge. Additionally, the study verifies that TMS positively moderates this relationship; therefore, strong managerial commitment and leadership engagement magnify the positive influence of UIL on GI and employability outcomes. These results indicate that universities and industries must collaborate to promote sustainability-oriented curricula, training, and innovation. Policymakers and institutional leaders should reinforce the role of top management in achieving total integration across education systems and industry practices, harmonizing all with sustainability to lead Ethiopia’s transformation into a green economy.