Building Bridges of Knowledge: Investigating the Nexus of Strategic Alignment in University-Industry Collaborations

Abstract

University-industry collaboration (UIC) has emerged as a key driver of innovation through enabling knowledge transfer in meeting the evolving needs of partner institutions. This research explores the profound impact of strategic alignment on the effectiveness of university-industry knowledge exchange while exploring the determinants that drive the formation of strategic alignment. This research uses mixed methods, namely a concurrent embedded model with qualitative and quantitative approaches as the main and secondary approaches. Based on empirical data collected from a survey of 126 university and industry collaborations in Indonesia. The results of this research provide substantial insight into this area and confirm the central role of strategic alignment in the success of collaborative initiatives, especially at the team level. In particular, this research underscores the superiority of cognitive expertise in teams, compared with exclusive reliance on personality traits. This research also identifies trust and bond strength as important foundations of team dynamics, while highlighting the positive influence of operational and cultural fit on organizational factors. Significantly, this research challenges initial assumptions by not finding a direct relationship between shared understanding, strategic flexibility, balancing commitments, and achieving strategic alignment. These findings have profound implications for the strategic planning and implementation of UIC initiatives. In a broader context, this research provides theoretical and managerial contributions.