Enhancing University-Industry Collaboration for Sustainable Growth in Afghanistan s Construction Industry

The construction industry is a key driver of economic growth and infrastructure development, particularly in post-conflict countries such as Afghanistan. Strengthening the role of universities in this sector is essential for achieving sustainable development. Although international research highlights the importance of university–industry collaboration, limited studies have examined this relationship within Afghanistan’s socio-economic and institutional context. This study evaluates the current level of collaboration between Afghan universities and the construction industry, identifies major barriers to effective partnerships, and proposes strategic policies to enhance university contributions. A quantitative survey involving 370 professionals from academia and the construction industry was conducted. Data were collected using a four-point Likert scale to assess the importance of collaborative actions, barriers, and policy measures. The Relative Importance Index was applied to rank the identified factors. The results indicate that collaboration between universities and the construction industry in Afghanistan remains weak. The most significant barriers include inadequate educational and research infrastructure, misalignment between university curricula and labor market needs, and financial constraints. Based on these findings, the study proposes targeted policy interventions, including revising academic curricula to align with industry requirements, strengthening government support for university–industry partnerships, and expanding capacity-building initiatives for instructors and research activities. Unlike existing studies, this research presents a context-specific framework that integrates sustainable development principles and aligns with the SDGs. The study fills a critical gap in the literature and provides practical guidance for policymakers, university administrators, and industry stakeholders in Afghanistan and similar developing or postconflict countries.