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Policy Incentives for Strengthening Industry–Academia Collaboration Toward Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship

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  • Cheng-Wen Lee

    (Department of International Business, College of Business, Chung Yuan Christian University, No. 200, Zhongbei Rd., Zhongli Dist, Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan)

  • Chin-Chuan Wang

    (Ph.D. Program in Business, College of Business, Chung Yuan Christian University, No. 200, Zhongbei Rd., Zhongli Dist, Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan)

  • Mao-Wen Fu

    (Ph.D. Program in Business, College of Business, Chung Yuan Christian University, No. 200, Zhongbei Rd., Zhongli Dist, Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan)

  • Hsiao Chuan Chen

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

Abstract

This study examines how policy incentives enhance students’ entrepreneurial mindset and agility through industry–academia collaboration. Unlike prior research that often adopts institutional or industry perspectives, this paper foregrounds the experiences of students as the primary beneficiaries of entrepreneurship education policies. Drawing on survey data from 528 students across Taiwan and Malaysia, the study tests a comprehensive conceptual framework incorporating professional engagement, curriculum design, and skill development as mediating mechanisms. Using structural equation modeling, the findings show that policy incentives exert strong direct and indirect effects on entrepreneurial outcomes, although some mediating pathways are contingent on the quality of engagement. By positioning student perspectives at the center of analysis, this study contributes to understanding how policy support translates into experiential learning and entrepreneurial agility. Implications are drawn for educators, policymakers, and students, with suggestions for refining collaboration structures and fostering student-centered entrepreneurship ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng-Wen Lee & Chin-Chuan Wang & Mao-Wen Fu & Hsiao Chuan Chen, 2025. "Policy Incentives for Strengthening Industry–Academia Collaboration Toward Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-29, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:20:p:9183-:d:1772846
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    References listed on IDEAS

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