The impact of university-industry nexus on Ethiopian public universities: examining the challenges and opportunities

This study investigates the key challenges and opportunities in the relationship between universities and industries in Ethiopia, based on data gathered from universities, industries and government higher officials. The research was conducted in five Ethiopian public universities. This study employed a pragmatist paradigm and engaged mixed methods approach that combined surveys, interviews, and document analysis. The survey targeted a sample of 749 (37%) participants, from the five universities. The response rate is 86%, with 644 participants. The study identified the challenges hindering effective university-industry collaboration in the Ethiopian context. Among the independent variables, the regulatory and legal framework, as well as misaligned expectations and priorities, had the strongest positive effect on university-industry linkage (UIL) challenges. These core challenges were significantly influenced by institutional issues within universities and industries, communication barriers between the two spheres, and regulatory/legal barriers at the national level. The findings suggested that addressing these systemic challenges meaningfully will be much help full to strengthen university-industry collaborations and partnerships in Ethiopia. This requires coordinated efforts and interventions by the government, as well as development of appropriate strategies implemented by the universities and industries.