Determinants of effective university-industry collaboration: an empirical study of Oman's Higher Education Institutions

The interaction between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and industry for the purpose of improving the exchange of knowledge and technology refers to the concept of universities-industry collaboration (UIC). This research aims to identify the Determinants of UIC in Oman by considering the four main players in UIC, which are faculty, students, university administrators and Private Sector Companies. Furthermore, the study focuses on determining the factors for an academic research project to become relevant to Oman's private sector. This study adopts a quantitative research approach using structured surveys and statistical analysis to systematically investigate the relationships and associations among various factors. The sample size consists of 218 participants, including 32 faculty members, 158 students, 3 university administrators, and 25 representatives from private sector companies. The sampling technique is convenient to ensure the practical considerations associated with accessing and engaging diverse stakeholders from the targeted population. Determinants of UIC in Oman include financial support, trust, research alignment, governmental support, and communication. Consistent with the literature, there is a moderate level of consensus among the respondents regarding the importance of various determinants in promoting UIC in Oman. Also, the multidimensional nature of collaboration has been highlighted through factor analysis. For research relevance, the main contributors are strategic alignment, industry expertise integration, and researcher recognition and incentives, emphasizing interconnected relationships. Limitations include the focus of the study on Oman, which may limit generalizability. The research provides actionable insights for Oman's UIC, guiding policymakers in formulating targeted strategies. Informed resource allocation optimizes efforts for both universities and private sector organizations. Tailored initiatives, researcher incentives, and continuous monitoring enhance inclusivity and engagement. This study advances UIC by offering insights into the determinants for effective collaboration between academia and the private sector. The practical value of the study lies in providing stakeholders with strategic guidelines for impactful partnerships.