Bridging the gap between academia and industry: a case study of collaborative curriculum development

This study investigates the alignment of academic curricula with industry requirements through the implementation of an industry-driven curriculum (IDC) framework within a higher education institution. The study involved engaging subject matter experts (SMEs) from various industries to provide feedback on the course syllabus and identify gaps in the curriculum to meet expected competencies. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the research examines the integration of IDC in curriculum design and delivery, focusing on how it bridges the gap between academic offerings and industry needs. The findings suggest that collaboration between academia and industry is critical for developing relevant and effective curricula and that the IDC framework can be a useful tool for facilitating this collaboration. The research contributes to understanding the role of IDC in higher education and provides actionable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to foster industry-academia collaboration.