Determinants of University–Industry Collaboration in Pharmacy Education: Causal Analysis of Academic Perceptions and Barriers

OBJECTIVES: This nationwide study evaluated attitudes, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers to university-industry collaboration among faculty members in pharmacy schools in Türkiye and examined whether these perceptions differed by personal, professional, disciplinary, and regional characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire was emailed to all 1,723 faculty members working in pharmacy schools in Türkiye. The questionnaire assessed attitudes, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers related to university-industry collaboration. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to evaluate the measurement structure. Structural equation modeling examined associations among the constructs, while independent-samples t tests and analysis of variance were used for group comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 319 valid responses were received, corresponding to a response rate of 18.5%. More positive attitudes toward university-industry collaboration were associated with greater perceived benefits (β = 0.742, p <.001) and lower perceived barriers (β = -0.418, p =.002). Women reported higher scores for industry-oriented education and perceived benefits, whereas men reported higher scores for current problems. Perceptions also differed according to academic rank, professional seniority, academic specialization, and geographic region. CONCLUSIONS: Faculty members working in pharmacy schools generally recognized the educational and institutional benefits of university-industry collaboration, although substantial perceived barriers remained. Clearer institutional procedures, support for junior faculty members, and regionally inclusive collaboration mechanisms may strengthen academic-industry engagement in pharmacy education.