University- industry cooperation in the education domain to foster competitiveness and employment

This paper analyses the compliance of university education with labour market demands in the Region of Madrid and the potential that university industry cooperation has as a means to foster employment. For this analysis, open interviews with experts from both parts involved: the university academic and research areas and industry stakeholders, have been carried out. Mechanisms implemented by universities to encourage industry cooperation in the educational domain have been analysed. Results indicate that a more practically inclined education, closer to industry requirements, is required and that participation of industry professionals in postgraduate courses and students' internships in companies are the mechanisms with greatest impact on employability. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer review under responsibility of Prof. Dr. Huseyin Uzunboylu