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Sustainable Open Innovation Model for Cultivating Global Talent: The Case of Non-Profit Organizations and University Alliances

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  • Cheng-Wen Lee

    (Department of International Business, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan)

  • Pei-Tong Liu

    (Ph.D. Program in Business, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan)

  • Yin-Hsiang Thy

    (Ph.D. Program in Business, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan)

  • Choong Leng Peng

    (The Association of Global Industry Academia Collaboration Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50000, Malaysia)

Abstract

In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the need to cultivate innovation-ready, globally competent talent has become a strategic imperative. This study critically investigates how sustainable open innovation strategies—particularly within non-profit organizations and university alliances—can serve as a catalyst for global talent development. Responding to the growing demand for interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral collaboration, the research employs a robust mixed-methods approach, integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to evaluate and prioritize key strategic factors. The findings reveal that initiatives such as international internship programs, operational funding mechanisms, joint research ventures, and technology transfer are essential drivers in creating environments that nurture and scale global talent. Building on these insights, this study introduces a structured, sustainable innovation model that categorizes strategies into three tiers—collaborative, interactive, and foundational service-oriented actions—providing a practical roadmap for resource optimization and strategic planning. More than a theoretical exercise, this research offers actionable guidance for non-profit leaders, academic administrators, and corporate partners. It highlights the reciprocal value of multi-sector collaboration and contributes to a broader understanding of how mission-driven innovation ecosystems can foster resilient, future-ready workforces. By positioning non-profit–academic partnerships at the center of global talent strategies, the study sets a foundation for rethinking how institutions can co-create value in addressing pressing global challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng-Wen Lee & Pei-Tong Liu & Yin-Hsiang Thy & Choong Leng Peng, 2025. "Sustainable Open Innovation Model for Cultivating Global Talent: The Case of Non-Profit Organizations and University Alliances," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-26, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:5094-:d:1670108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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