Get the cogs in synch: time horizon aspects of industry--academia collaboration

Abstract

In industry--academia collaboration projects, there are many issues related to different time horizons in industry and academia. If not adressed upfront, they may hinder collaboration in such projects. We analyze our experiences from a 10 year industry--academia collaboration program, the EASE Industrial Excellence Center in Sweden, and identify issues and feasible practices to overcome the hurdles of different time horizons. Specifically, we identify issues related to contracts, goals, results, organization (in)stability, and work practices. We identify several areas where the time horizon is different, and conclude that mutual awareness of these differences and management commitment to the collaboration are the key means to overcome the differences. The launch of a mediating institute may also be part of the solution.