2026.01 — Designing University-SME Collaboration That Actually Works: What Universities Need to Do Differently
Practical guidance on redesigning university engagement to unlock the untapped potential of collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Authors: Todd Davey, Luca Barbera, Francisco Zamorano Figueroa, Sarah Jaber, Arno Meerman
Publication date: 2026
While the potential for transformative innovation lies at the intersection of university research and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) agility, collaboration between these two worlds remains largely underdeveloped. This white paper tackles the structural mismatch that hinders effective partnership, drawing on comprehensive empirical data from over 3,000 businesses across 32 countries, two decades of applied work, and in-depth case studies.
Moving beyond theoretical models, this report provides a practical framework for universities to redesign their engagement pathways. It outlines how to shift from transactional interactions to building systemic, value-driven relationships with innovation-focused SMEs. Readers will gain actionable guidance on:
creating clear access points
delivering early value
aligning incentives to foster collaborations that are not only productive but also a core driver of regional economic resilience and innovation.
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