Abstract:

In recent years, collaboration between universities and the labor market has become increasingly relevant, especially in sectors characterized by strong operational dynamics such as tourism and hospitality. Academic institutions are increasingly encouraged to design educational programs that not only provide theoretical knowledge but also foster practical skills and direct interaction with industry actors. In this perspective, structured forms of cooperation between universities and companies—such as advisory boards, internships, guest lectures, and joint initiatives—can play a crucial role in aligning academic training with the evolving needs of the labor market. Strengthening this relationship can contribute to improving students’ employability, supporting knowledge exchange, and fostering innovation within both academic and professional environments.

Within this framework, the undergraduate and specialized master’s training programs in the tourism and hospitality sector represent a significant case study for investigating the dynamics of university–industry collaboration. These programs are designed to integrate academic education with the operational realities of the tourism industry. They combine theoretical learning with structured periods of training within companies and adopt innovative teaching approaches, such as flipped classroom methodologies and hybrid learning formats, including in-person lectures, sessions with industry managers in the classroom and asynchronous lessons. Since the launch of the Bachelor’s Degree in the 2020–2021 academic year—during the challenging context of the Covid-19 pandemic—the programs have been designed to maintain a strong connection with the labor market. A key element of this approach is the presence of an advisory board composed of managers and entrepreneurs from hotels and tourism-related organizations, who actively contribute to aligning academic content with industry needs. Furthermore, students are required to complete two mandatory internships—lasting three and six months respectively—within carefully selected partner companies affiliated with the University. These organizations are identified through a rigorous screening process involving research and interviews with key decision-makers to ensure consistency with the educational objectives of the program. Beyond internships, the courses also promote direct engagement with industry professionals through guest lectures, company visits, and participation in trade fairs and sector events.

By analyzing the first five years of the Bachelor’s Degree program and considering the broader literature on university–industry cooperation, this case study provides insights into the practices and mechanisms that can effectively strengthen the relationship between higher education and the tourism and hospitality sector. The findings highlight the potential managerial implications and the transferability of similar collaborative models to other academic contexts, while also suggesting possible directions for further reinforcing cooperation between universities and the world of work.

Keywords:

University, internship, hospitality.