| This study uses multiple case studies and qualitative research methods to identify the factors that influence the ability of businesses and higher education institutions to create and sustain effective training collaborations. Based on the factors identified and their respective interactions, an exploratory model was developed to assist both of these key institutions in sharing resources to produce the kinds of on-going adult training and education processes so important to a technological and information-driven, global society. Evolution in the information/knowledge revolution and the emergence of a global economy has created a need for industry and higher education in the United States to work together as never before, mutually exchanging resources.; The findings of this study support the notion that business-university partnerships can provide the kinds of training resources that business is seeking and, at the same time, offer many forms of sponsorship to higher education. Much more training collaboration is possible between business and higher education if the organizations approach and conduct such cooperative relationships with an awareness of the specific behaviors that support their success. Resolution lies in the willingness of the leadership in each of these key institutions to approach collaborations focused on developing people through training and prepared to expend the resources needed (people and time). Higher education and business leaders should be open to the flexibility and innovation that such collaboration will require. Both sides should be willing to meet each others needs and to look for innovation solutions to the challenges those needs may present. In addition, the leadership in higher education institutions and business who wish to engage in training collaborations should be willing to identify an autonomous and empowered "business unit" to be responsible for administering theses cooperative relationships.; Since collaboration is not a single incident, but a series of acts that build, one upon the other, organizations involved in such cooperative relationships must also be aware of the behavior patterns that support the building and sustaining processes (e.g., teamwork; the sharing of control, skills, knowledge, and risks; open and honest communications; consistent behavior; and mutual honor and respect). |
