University industry integration Research Project

An International Collaboration.

The research project “University–Industry Integration Policies and Practices in China – Potential Applications in Hungary” explores how Chinese models of university–industry collaboration can inform higher education development in Hungary. Led by Wekerle International University in cooperation with MCC’s Learning Institute, the project aims to promote institutional innovation, support bilateral partnerships, and offer practical strategies for university modernisation.

Detailed Description

The research project “University–industry integration policies and practices in China – potential applications in Hungary” explores Chinese (national/provincial) policies and (local/institutional) practices related to university–industry integration (UII), with a special focus on leveraging university–industry cooperation (UIC) to support institutional development and reforms.

This two-year project is being implemented by Wekerle International University (WIU), with funding from the Hungarian Government (through the Tudás-Tér Alapítvány foundation), in cooperation with the Learning Institute of Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCCLI). The research is conducted under the professional leadership of a senior MCCLI researcher and is supported by an international advisory board.

The project aims to assist Hungarian higher education leaders in designing strategies and tools to strengthen UIC for institutional advancement. It also seeks to deepen academic partnerships between Chinese and Hungarian universities, promoting bilateral cooperation and mutual learning in the field of technological innovation. In addition, the project supports the upgrading of WIU – as the only Chinese-owned higher education institution in Hungary – by enhancing its role in attracting international students and advancing the internationalisation of Hungarian higher education.

The research is conceptually grounded in theories of knowledge transfer, the university’s third mission, the Triple/Quadruple Helix, and the Knowledge Triangle, while also incorporating distinctive Chinese approaches to university–industry integration. Emphasis is placed on using UIC as a tool for university modernisation, including concepts such as reverse and bi-directional knowledge transfer, where knowledge flows also from industry to academia.

The project adopts a broad definition of “industry”, encompassing not only traditional manufacturing but also emerging sectors such as services and the creative industries – thus addressing the full range of the university’s third mission.

Methodologically, the project follows a qualitative research design, combining document and literature analysis, institutional case studies, hybrid-format workshops and conferences. Detailed case studies of UII policies and practices in various Chinese cities – with a focus on business studies, engineering, and creative industries – will provide empirical depth. Elements of action research will also be incorporated to support the immediate application of findings to institutional development at WIU.

Through this approach, the project seeks not only to generate new academic knowledge but also to stimulate practical change within universities.

Expected outcomes include a series of expert reports, detailed case studies, an analytical final report, academic publications, a toolkit for university leaders, and a concluding conference aimed at fostering new partnerships between Chinese and Hungarian universities. These outputs will contribute to developing sustainable models of UIC that support higher education innovation and bilateral cooperation.

 

Objectives of the reasearch

  • Exploring university-industry integration policies and practices in China, and their possible adaptation in the Hungarian context

  • Assist Hungarian higher education leaders in designing strategies and tools to strengthen university-industry cooperation for institutional advancement

  • Deepen academic partnerships between Chinese and Hungarian universities, promoting bilateral cooperation and mutual learning

  • Supporting the research capacities of WSNE and enhancing its role in attracting international students

  • Advancing the internationalisation of Hungarian higher education

Activities of the research 

  • Preparing a detailed document and literature analysis of university-industry integration (UII) policies in China

  • Preparing UII case studies in China and an analytical report based on these case studies

  • Preparing an analytical report about the possible impacts of UII related China-Hungary cross-university cooperation

  • Preparing a handbook (toolkit) for Hungarian university leaders to use university-industry cooperation for university development

  • Supporting the establishment of cooperation agreements (expressions of intent) between Chinese and Hungarian universities

  • Organising knowledge sharing workshops/conferences supporting the project goals

  • Creating a toolkit to support the development of research capacities of WBS

  • Publishing academic papers on UII in China

Key research topics 

  • The emergence, development, and current issues of Chinese policies supporting university–industry integration
  • Local and institutional practices of university–industry integration in different regions of China
  • The knowledge base and theoretical aspects of Chinese policies and practices of university–industry integration
  • A comparative analysis of Chinese and European practices of university–industry cooperation
  • Opportunities for applying Chinese experiences in Hungary

Publications 

Huang, M., & Halász, G. (2024). Education driven university-industry cooperation: A comparative analysis of European Union and Chinese policies and practices with special focus on the creative industry sector. Education and Lifelong Development Research, 1(4), 204-214. (see here)

Huang, M., & Halász, G. (2025). Using university-industry cooperation for university and faculty development: A China-Hungary comparative study in fashion education. Journal of Adult Learning, Knowledge and Innovation. (see here)

Research Partners - Wekerle International University