Page 1 of 6
Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 11, No. 2.2
Publication Date: February 25, 2024
DOI:10.14738/assrj.112.2.16424.
Abu Bakar, M. Z., Halif, M. M., Abd Rahim, N. N., Hassan, M. F., & Muhamed, A. A. (2024). Why Do Industry and University Work
Together? The Case of Li2U. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(2.2). 109-114.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Why Do Industry and University Work Together? The Case of
Li2U
Mohd Zamri Abu Bakar
*Corresponding author: zamriab@uitm.edu.my
Faculty of Business and Management,
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Mazuin Mat Halif
mazui208@uitm.edu.my
Faculty of Business and Management,
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Nur Najjah Abd Rahim
najjahabdrahim@uitm.edu.my
Faculty of Business and Management,
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Mohd Faizul Hassan
faizulhassan@uitm.edu.my
Faculty of Business and Management,
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Ariff Azly Muhamed
ariff@uitm.edu.my
Faculty of Business and Management,
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
ABSTRACT
This paper explores the dynamics and outcomes of university-industry
collaboration (UIC) in the development of a mobile application, "Li2U", designed to
bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. The study
employs an existing academic literature analysis and case study methodology to
analyze the impacts of this collaboration to examine university-industry
collaboration. The study delves into the collaborative process, highlighting the
roles and contributions of academic researchers, and industry professionals in the
app's development. The objective of Li2U is to streamline the internship and job
placement process for university students while providing employers with a
reliable platform for talent acquisition and student profiling. This paper
contributes to the growing body of literature on effective university-industry
partnerships, offering insights into best practices and the potential for such
collaborations to facilitate meaningful educational and economic outcomes. The
case of Li2U serves as a model for similar initiatives, underlining the importance of
Page 2 of 6
110
Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 11, Issue 2.2, February-2024
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
aligning educational programs with industry needs and emerging technological
trends
Keywords: University-Industry Collaboration, Mobile Application, Internship Placement,
Experiential Learning.
INTRODUCTION
The evolving landscape of higher education and industry demands innovative approaches to
collaboration, particularly in the realm of technology and knowledge exchange. The imperative
for such synergy has never been more pronounced, as both sectors seek to navigate the
complexities of a rapidly changing global economy [1]. This paper focuses on a specific case
study: the collaborative development of a mobile application, "Li2U," as a conduit for
knowledge exchange and technology transfer between a university and industry partners. The
Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) at a
prestigious university has announced a strategic partnership with RSA Khidmat & Teknologi
Sdn. Bhd, a leader in technological innovation, focusing on the development and potential
commercialization of the Li2U mobile application.
This partnership synergizes FBM's academic and business insights with RSA Khidmat &
Teknologi's technical prowess. The Li2U app, which is in development, promises to offer
groundbreaking solutions, particularly with its student profiling feature designed to match
students with employer requirements. A standout feature of this collaboration is the
incorporation of a student profiling module in the app, aimed at bridging the gap between
students and potential employers.
In the context of "Li2U," this collaboration takes on a multifaceted role. Firstly, it serves as an
effective platform for experiential learning, allowing students to apply academic concepts in
real-world settings, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice. Secondly, the
development of the app embodies a direct technology transfer process, wherein academic
research and technological innovations are translated into a practical tool that addresses real
industry needs - in this case, the efficient matching of students with internship and job
opportunities. The collaboration extends beyond mere technology development [2]. It
encompasses a broader spectrum of knowledge exchange, where industry feedback and
insights contribute to refining academic curriculum, ensuring that the skills taught are aligned
with current and future industry requirements. This dynamic interaction not only enhances the
relevance and quality of educational programs but also ensures that graduates are well- equipped to meet the demands of the labor market. This paper aims to explore this
collaborative model in detail, shedding light on its processes, outcomes, and broader
implications for the future of university-industry.
LITERATURE REVIEW
University Benefits
University-industry collaboration highlights a range of expected benefits for universities,
particularly in terms of resource acquisition, reputation enhancement, feedback mechanisms,
and reinforcement of subject matter expertise [3]. University-industry partnerships often lead
to increased funding for universities, enabling them to hire skilled human resources and
acquire advanced equipment. This influx of resources is crucial for enhancing research
Page 3 of 6
111
Abu Bakar, M. Z., Halif, M. M., Abd Rahim, N. N., Hassan, M. F., & Muhamed, A. A. (2024). Why Do Industry and University Work Together? The
Case of Li2U. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(2.2). 109-114.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.112.2.16424
capacities and educational offerings. Such collaborations often provide universities with
alternative revenue streams, reducing their dependence on traditional funding sources and
allowing for more flexible allocation of resources.
Active engagement in industry-linked projects elevates a university's reputation as a
knowledge hub, especially concerning cutting-edge technologies and methodologies [4]. This
recognition is pivotal for academic prestige and attractiveness to prospective students and
faculty. University-industry collaborations offer a practical testing ground for academic ideas,
allowing for real-world feedback and validation. This interaction is critical for refining theories
and research outcomes. Bidirectional nature of knowledge flow in such partnerships, where
industry feedback can lead to significant improvements in academic research methodologies
and focus.
Collaborations with industry can deepen a university’s expertise in specific areas, particularly
those aligned with industry needs [5]. This not only reinforces the university's know-how but
also ensures that its academic programs remain relevant and current. Sustained interaction
with industry partners provides continuous learning opportunities for academic researchers,
enhancing their understanding of practical challenges and industry trends.
The collaboration between FBM and RSA Khidmat & Teknologi in mobile application
development exemplifies the substantial benefits such partnerships can bring to a university.
By bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application, the university not only
enhances its resource base and academic prestige but also significantly improves the
educational and career prospects of its students. In conclusion, university-industry
collaborations bring multifaceted benefits to universities. These include increased resources,
enhanced academic recognition, a conducive environment for practical feedback, and
reinforced expertise in specialized domains. These collaborations thus emerge as critical
enablers for universities striving to maintain relevance and excellence in an increasingly
interconnected and industry-oriented academic landscape.
Industry Benefits
The symbiotic relationship between universities and industries has been extensively studied,
with a particular focus on the benefits accruing to the industry [6]. This literature review
synthesizes the key findings, emphasizing the advantages industries gain from these
collaborations, including enhanced market competitiveness, economic growth, cost-effective
research, access to new knowledge, and problem-solving capabilities [7]. Collaborations with
universities can significantly boost a company's innovative capabilities, making them more
competitive in the market [8]. Access to cutting-edge research and emerging technologies
developed in academic settings allows companies to stay ahead in innovation.
The role of university-industry partnerships in providing companies with a stream of novel
ideas and concepts, which can be transformed into innovative industrial projects, enhancing
their market position. Such collaborations often lead to the development of new products and
processes, which contribute to economic growth and wealth creation [9]. The
commercialization of academic research often results in efficiency improvements and market
expansions. University-based research contributes significantly to industrial innovation, which
is a key driver of economic development.