Case study in collaboration: Educational and industrial partnerships

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: The purpose of this study was to describe, analyze and interpret how an institution of higher education collaborates. A case study using Resource Dependency Theory as the analytical lens was conducted, whereby a community college collaborated with the local school district and area business and industry that led to the construction of an Advanced Technology Center. Seventeen stakeholders from the from these entities were interviewed.

Findings and Conclusions: Individual survival, funding, the opportunity to share programs, equipment and facilities, location and the fact that it just made sense to do so were outlined by the stakeholders as reasons to collaborate. Elements of Resource Dependency Theory were present in this study, a collaborative culture was found to exist in this area. This culture proved to be of more significance when establishing partnerships than a reduction in revenue from governmental funding sources.