Designing a pattern for expanding technical and vocational universities cooperation with industry and society

Abstract

Nowadays, the cooperation between universities and society as a tool to increase and reinforce innovation through exchanging knowledge is receiving more attention than ever before. The wide range of studies in this area focusing on the different aspects of this topic proves this fact. However, the available knowledge in this area is not integrated and lacks a comprehensive and effective perspective. Therefore in this study we proposed a useful and effective model to develop cooperation among vocational universities, industry and society. This qualitative study is conducted using a grounded theory approach. Experts inside and outside of universities and managers of vocational universities were statistical population of this study. Using a purposeful sampling method fifteen people were selected as study participants. To collect data general interview guide method and semi-structured interviews were employed. Collected data were analyzed using MAXQDA software. To meet the validity and reliability of data experts audit and member check techniques were used. The central theme of this study is to move towards a society-centered university. Considering causal, contextual and mediating conditions, strategies were designed and then based on these strategies the final model was presented.

Keywords

• vocational universities industry society universities grounded theory approach