The Role of State Policy in Industry-University Collaboration: Evidence from South Korea

Abstract

This study also examines how state policy creates linkages between industry and universities‚ education in technology‚ and workforce development in South Korea․ It is now a calculated priority for knowledge-based economies to match the higher education system with industrial transformation Applying a qualitative case study approach‚ we analyse how policy tools‚ funding mechanisms‚ rules‚ and performance-driven evaluations contributed to institutionalizing collaboration‚ and conclude that state coordination improved internship systems‚ access to applied research‚ and technical skills development The article shows how state policy acts as a catalytic element in aligning the interests of institutional actors in achieving a balance between strategy and organizational autonomy․ The case of South Korea illustrates how such a policy regime shapes enduring collaboration and eventually influences worker-level outcomes The paper makes a theoretical contribution through reconceptualizing the Triple Helix for a state-led context and a practical contribution in terms of implications for emerging economies seeking to modernize technical education systems․