Research on Industry-Academia Convergence Model for Youth Jobs
Tong Park, Young-Sun Ra, Joon-Pil Ok, Choel-Woo Park
This research suggests a model for industry-academia convergence that could serve as an alternative for the creation of youth jobs, and also examines the related policy tasks. In 2010, Korea's National Science and Technology Commission(NSTC) adopted the agenda, 'Advanced Measures for Industry-Academia-Institute Cooperation'. This body had as its goal the invigoration of systematic and regular university-industry cooperation. To this end, it has become necessary to examine new ways of forging relations between the parties involved in such collaboration.
Korean universities and industrial parks are generally separated spatially, and the relevant stakeholders focus on building networks between themselves. As a result of numerous efforts, cooperative relations began to be formed. However, such a relationship did not last long. These networks ceased to function whenever the government cut off financial support. Therefore, to enhance international competitiveness and raise the youth employment rate, it is inevitable to establish spatial proximity between industries and universities. This research seeks to find new models through which to meet these objectives.
This study involved a survey aimed at stake holders who work in 5 industrial parks and near universities. The results were as follows.
First, Korean small and medium enterprises(SMEs) demand that universities carry out research and development activities that are geared towards their needs. However, most university stake holders are engaged in research and development activities for the government.
Second, time and distance does matter in university-industry cooperation. The majority of the respondents answered that they would cooperate with the other party as long as they were less than 30 minutes away, but wouldn't be inclined to do so if the latter was more than an hour away by car.
Third, while internships and fieldwork programs were found to be very useful, their duration was too short to lead to youth employment. Although most of these programs lasted 1-2 months, 2-6 months or more was in fact required.
Finally, both industry and universities tended to show more positive perceptions when they viewed their partners as reflecting their needs.
The findings have the following policy implications. First of all, the fate of a Korean type industry-academia convergence model is predicated on the relocation of some departments of universities closer to industrial parks. Moreover, both industry and universities need to move beyond their financial dependence on the government. To this end, both sides are strongly urged to execute market-oriented and demand-centered industry-academia cooperation activities.
What's more, universities need to change their policies from theory-driven education to employment and establishment-oriented education. Furthermore, more weight should be placed on industry-related experience when universities employ professors.
Finally, the coordination of government policy is essential where university-industry convergence is concerned. Government departments are currently promoting projects related to university-industry cooperation on an individual basis. As a result of such practices, the parties promoting projects related to university-industry convergence find themselves faced with significant difficulties.
