Abstract

Within the joint Asian-European project DOCUMAP, an integrated concept for multiple cooperation of three Asian universities with the horticultural sector is being introduced in horticultural study programmes in an effort to respond to demands on graduates seeking jobs in a rapidly changing horticultural and food sector in China, Indonesia and Vietnam. The concept focuses on food supply chain management and post-harvest technology of vegetables and fruit. The innovative aspect of it lies in the simultaneous integration of different cooperation approaches and supporting institutions. In this paper, an overview is given of the basic concepts used by higher education institutions to increase the relevance of higher education, among them Problem-Based Learning in its various forms, competency-based curriculum development, internships, and mentoring programmes. Furthermore, the paper describes the concept of multiple university-industry cooperation developed in the DOCUMAP project, after a short assessment of the present situation of higher education at the universities. Through guideline-based interviews with stakeholders within and outside the universities, the study then identifies stakeholders' attitudes as well as barriers and factors conducive for implementing the university-industry cooperation activities within the project. These are discussed against the experiences made by other higher education institutions in similar initiatives, and conclusions are drawn for the refinement of the own concept.

Keywords

university-industry cooperation; curriculum development; problem-based learning; internships; mentoring; DOCUMAP

Published in

Acta Horticulturae
2009, Volume: 832, pages: 95-106
eISBN: 978-90-6605-448-6

Conference

5th International Symposium on Horticultural Research, Training and Extension, JUN28, 2009, Chiang Mai, THAILAND

SLU Authors

• Larsson, Jan

  • Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all


UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.832.13

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/104538