Decision-makers of higher education institutions (HEIs) and research centres, policymakers, as well as industry representatives from Jordan and Tunisia participated in the last few weeks in two trainings of two days each linking academic research to industry needs. Each course was adapted to the national contexts.
Potential approaches were presented, including collaborative doctorates, industrial placements in the framework of masters’ programmes, and other hybrid degrees that connect theory to practice. Examples of best practice initiatives were given as viewed through the lens of the Triple Helix in terms of how the different players can strengthen collaboration and move towards a community of practice in the region.
In both national training courses, it was stressed that an organisational change and a culture shift is needed, as we have to move from a traditional one-way or closed knowledge transfer towards a more open exchange between academia, industry, and policymakers to create an environment that better prepares graduates with the skills they need to address complex societal issues.
The Union for the Mediterranean is an intergovernmental institution bringing together the European Union Member States and 15 countries from the Southern and Eastern shores of the Mediterranean to promote dialogue and cooperation.
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