Determinants and Barriers to University-Industry Linkages: Academic Staff Perceptions at Addis Ababa University

Abstract

This study examined determinants and challenges of university-industry linkages (UIL) at Addis Ababa University, College of Technology and Built Environment. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was used to gather data from 70 academic staff using a validated Likert-scale instrument. Descriptive statistics and correlations assessed UIL determinants and challenges, while simple regression models tested six institutional/relational predictors against three UIL outcomes. Academic reputation emerged as the strongest predictor of institutional effectiveness (β = .686, p < .001, R² = .589). Geographic proximity (β = .315, p = .003) and social capital (β = .237, p = .042) drove prior collaboration success (R² = .526), and firm characteristics predicted sustainability (β = .347, p = .004, R² = .317). Among the challenges, resource gaps and trust issues were the most critical. Resource gaps and trust issues were significantly correlated (r = .51, p < .01), showing how capacity constraints undermine collaboration confidence. The results suggest that UIL at CTBE remains at a developing stage but showing progress. Strengthening institutional capacity and promoting transparent communication proved essential for sustainable UIL.