The question of the raison d’être of universities is not particularly new. It has been a topic of discussion for centuries. Some argue that universities are the cradles of knowledge, while others emphasize their role in providing the workforce that society needs.
The responsibilities and roles of universities can change over time to reflect societal trends and transformations. Today, we are witnessing digital technology and artificial intelligence impacting the higher education sector, demanding a transformation of the traditional university business model. Accordingly, the need to redefine universities’ social role and responsibilities for the medium- to long-term perspective is becoming increasingly urgent.
Universities must now move beyond the traditional “teaching and research” model based on the expertise of their faculty and instead build an ecosystem that encompasses universities, industry and society, playing a pivotal role within it. While the traditional roles of fostering knowledge and nurturing future generations remain paramount for universities, the rapid and drastic changes in the world around us demand universities go beyond these traditional boundaries. This means that they need to reflect the rapidly changing technology and society while making social contributions.
From this perspective, I believe that universities should now fulfill the role of “binders.” Two main “bundling” aspects can be emphasized: one is industry innovation through academic research, and the other is the cultivation of workforce and entrepreneurs aligned with current industry needs and practices. They will become the primary roles of universities.
In fact, such roles and responsibilities have been mainly emphasized in the fields of science, technology and engineering so far. However, how should business schools and social science schools, which have not paid much attention to such aspects until now, approach them? It may be difficult to immediately change the current role of traditional business schools. Therefore, as a first step, it is possible to consider establishing an independent college or school dedicated to industry-academia collaboration, which can simultaneously conduct industry-based research and workforce cultivation. This could be an organization that differentiates itself from the traditional business school system through joint research and consulting services with the industry. It could take the form of a think tank or a postgraduate school. Faculty and student recruitment and evaluation criteria would also need to be newly established accordingly. 
When discussing exemplary models of industry-academia collaboration, Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school) stands out as a beacon of innovation. The establishment and growth of Silicon Valley would be difficult to explain without the active contributions of Stanford University. Stanford University is widely recognized for its unwavering commitment to fostering an industry-academia ecosystem. The d.school collaborates with companies to deliver project-based courses, nurturing a new class of workers equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world. The d.school’s unique design thinking methodology empowers students to address real-world challenges businesses face. The university essentially acts as a consultant, guiding students to devise effective solutions. This approach transcends the boundaries of mere industry-academia collaboration and demonstrates the university’s potential to serve as a catalyst for addressing societal issues.
In the face of the ever-evolving tide of technological advancements and societal changes, universities must now seriously consider their path of transformation. Building an ecosystem that fosters both industrial development and social progress, extending beyond traditional academic research and teaching, is likely to become the core social role and responsibility of universities in the future. Recognizing this shift, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, where I serve as a faculty member, has established the College of Industry-Entrepreneurs, a dedicated hub for collaborative research. This college houses four focused research centers that facilitate collaboration between industry and academia.
The college functions as a collaborative platform, offering consultation services for collaborative research, design and implementation of innovative projects. These projects aim to drive industrial upgrading and development while simultaneously nurturing and training talent. The university positions this college as a leading interdisciplinary institution. It integrates industry research, solution design, joint implementation, talent cultivation, continuous support and think tank services. By focusing exclusively on postgraduate courses, the college fosters deeper industry-academia collaboration, creating a stronger bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.
Meanwhile, Korean universities are facing a pressing need to break free from the shackles of traditional educational paradigms. With the rapidly declining college-age population, they must swiftly adapt to navigate this changing landscape. A more proactive and innovative approach is essential to ensure their survival and relevance. Whether it involves adopting new pedagogies or establishing cutting-edge think tanks, the overarching goal must be to embrace a transformative shift in the role of universities. Even from the perspective of securing the university’s sustainable competitiveness, such efforts are worth considering from a medium- to long-term perspective. As these shackles loosen, I look forward to the emergence of universities that can build a collaborative ecosystem among academia, industry, and society and fulfill the role of a proactive “binder.” The time for change is now.
(Kim Chang-hee ([email protected]) is an assistant professor of sustainable business at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou, China. He also serves as the vice president of the Korean Association of Human Resource Development). Courtesy: Korea Times
