University-industry collaboration involving micro and small enterprises – critical factors across phases

In response to the need to strengthen university–industry collaboration (UIC), particularly with underrepresented micro and small enterprises (MSEs), this paper explores critical factors in university–MSE collaborations from both actors’ perspectives and assigns them to specific UIC phases. The study draws on a 3-year collaborative project with rich data from interviews and participant observation. Four phases—initiation, formation, execution, and evaluation—were empirically identified and delineated, contributing to the conceptualization of phases in the literature. Critical factors, factors facilitating or hindering UIC success, were assigned to the phases: for example, collaborative experience (initiation), establishing detailed work plans (formation), competent project management (execution), and what and when to evaluate (evaluation). MSE-specific factors include challenges in establishing economic reporting structures and reliance on peer-to-peer support to manage them. Presenting critical factors chronologically across UIC phases enhances practical understanding and may encourage university and MSE managers to engage in further collaborations.