Establishing Successful Partnerships

Abstract

Against the background of the cost crisis in US educational institutions and the changing nature of the global economy and international competition, both of which factors are acting as accelerating forces in the establishment and development of industry–higher education partnerships, Don Blandin sets out five key criteria that are fundamental to the evolution of successful partnerships. He then tests these criteria in the context of the efforts of the US Business–Higher Education Forum to establish relationships with and encourage university–industry cooperation in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The article offers insights into the working of industry–education relationships in general as well as the challenge and opportunity inherent in exchanging experience across political, economic and social cultures.