University-industry collaboration for growth of engineering students

The Baltic States have undergone significant restructuring within society towards a market economy. Higher education institutions have responded to the changes by offering more condensed and specific degree programmes. The decrease in funding from the government has encouraged a reassessment of the curriculum to better meet the needs of society. This places universities in a position to develop an academia-industry collaboration with assistance in shaping the curriculum and developing industry related research projects. This paper addresses the changes that have taken place within the universities and the benefits that could be offered to engineering education with a stronger industry contribution. Focus is placed mainly on the preparation of engineers for the realities of the workplace through industry related research projects and a curriculum designed for meeting the changing needs of industry.