Explaining the relationship between university and industry in the development of technology-oriented services

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Management, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

3 Master of Science in Technology Management, Faculty of Management, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
This article elucidates effective academia-industry linkage for developing technology-driven services. It proposes a comprehensive framework to enhance this interaction, positioning Business Intelligence (BI) as the core decision-making factor. In terms of classification, this study is applied and descriptive-survey, adopting a mixed-methods approach integrating qualitative and quantitative paradigms. During the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was employed, commencing with literature review and semi-structured interviews with subject-matter experts. Extracted data were categorized through open and selective coding. For the quantitative phase, a researcher-developed questionnaire was designed based on the identified components and distributed among 152 managers, specialists, and seasoned experts within the technology-focused industrial landscape. Instrument reliability was confirmed via Cronbach's alpha (0.93) and composite reliability, while convergent validity was demonstrated using Average Variance Extracted (AVE > 0.50). Quantitative data analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling with the Partial Least Squares approach (PLS-SEM) via Smart PLS 3.0. The empirical findings robustly indicate that six major determinants, at a significance level of 0.05 and with t-statistics exceeding 1.96, exert a very substantial influence on university-industry collaborations. These critical factors encompass Business Intelligence capabilities, Management Strategy, Structural elements, Cultural norms, Educational competencies, and Managerial-Financial resources. Collectively, they play an indispensable role in facilitating synergistic cooperation and accelerating the deployment of innovative technological services. The distinct innovation of this research resides in proposing a multidimensional model that places Business Intelligence at its conceptual core, while holistically encompassing six internal and external variables through an analytical-managerial lens to ultimately optimize strategic decision-making within the university-industry ecosystem.

Keywords



Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 September 2026