Driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution Initiative Through University and Industry Collaborations

Abstract

As the world basks in the euphoria of the fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Africa is gearing up for this innovative age, with South Africa as one of its leading voices. One of theways of leveraging on the opportunities presented by the 4IR era is to foster collaborationsbetween universities and the construction industry (university-industry collaboration, UIC).This research article aims to determine the positive impacts of UIC on the employability ofbuilt environment graduates. A qualitative Delphi approach was adopted to validate16 factors, which were identified from literature. A total of 14 experts completed a twostageiterative Delphi study process and reached consensus on all 16 factors identified.This study found that networking activities with industry professionals, student's exposure toinnovative ideas and 4IR training programme opportunities are some of the ways throughwhich UIC can improve 4IR knowledge and employability skills among students. From theDelphi survey results, educational institutions have been placed under significant pressuresto intensify collaborations with the industry by creating avenues for students to experienceindustrial training with present-day 4IR-driven sectors such as the construction industry,which has begun the adoption of 4IR elements into its processes to improve efficiency andproductivity. Although the issue of UIC has been widely discussed in the body of knowledge,very few have incorporated the 4IR dimension as a gap, which this study aims to fill