Abstract:

This paper offers a case study of an Irish University and whether opportunities are provided by Industry clusters. The purpose of the paper is to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry by adopting a sensemaking theoretical lens to understand how best to scaffold collaborative relationships through the forum of Industry clusters. Previous research has primarily focused on the establishment of Industry clusters and the role Higher Education has played in the establishment process. The paper explores the cultural filters and messages that happen between academia and industry and attempts to make sense of how meanings are developed within organisations and the possible advancements from industry clusters. The data is taken from eleven semi structured interviews. Four interview participants are representatives from a Higher Education provider and seven interview participants are industry representatives split evenly across small, medium and large sized organisations and the Regional Skills Manager. The intent of the paper is to consider how to strengthen collaboration between a Higher Education provider and their industry stakeholders while developing an understanding of the interactions between academia and industry, the role sensemaking plays and whether opportunities are provided by industry clusters.

Keywords:

Academia Industry Collaboration, Industry Clusters, Sense making.