A new study has been published as part of the DAAD programme \u201cUniversity-Business Partnerships between Higher Education Institutions and Business Partners in Germany and Developing Countries\u201d, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The programme aims to foster collaboration between universities in Germany and partner countries in Africa, as well as with private sector companies, in order to jointly develop educational and research formats. Key sectors include the automotive industry, logistics, renewable energy and food value chains. The study explores how these projects impact graduate employability and entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer between academia and industry, and long-term institutional cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The findings show that programme activities enhance students\u2019 employability, promote entrepreneurial thinking, and contribute to the development of sustainable partnerships between universities and businesses. Practical learning formats such as internships, summer schools, start-up competitions and hands-on course content have a positive impact on graduates\u2019 labour market integration. At the same time, the study highlights the need for greater institutional anchoring, systematic knowledge transfer and stronger private sector involvement to ensure long-term success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The study is based on extensive data collection, including surveys of students and graduates, case studies in several partner countries, and interviews with project stakeholders. The insights gained are translated into concrete recommendations \u2013 addressed to both DAAD and project coordinators and partners \u2013 aimed at increasing the programme\u2019s impact and scaling up successful approaches. In particular, the programme\u2019s impact could be further strengthened by scaling up successful elements such as support to African researchers traveling to Germany, cooperating with external actors such as German chambers of commerce in African partner countries and other donors, and by engaging with university alumni networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The full report is now available online and offers practical insights for universities, companies, policymakers and funding institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n