PLS-SEM Analysis of University–Industry Collaboration Drivers in South Africa’s Built Environment Sector

Abstract

University–industry collaboration (UIC) is essential for bridging the gap between academic research and practical innovation, particularly in developing economies. This study investigates the key drivers and outcomes of UIC within South Africa’s higher education and industrial context, with a specific focus on professionals in the built environment disciplines. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study examines the influence of five exogenous constructs—Governmental Support and Policy Environment (GOV), Organizational Design and Institutional Capacity (ORG), Technology Transfer and Innovation Ecosystems (TECH), Collaborative Networks and Social Capital (NET) and Knowledge Transfer Mechanisms (KNOW)—on UIC strength and four performance outcomes: Innovation and Creativity, Skill Development and Graduate Employability, Knowledge Creation and Transfer and Research Impact on Local Industry. The research was conducted in the Gauteng Province, South Africa’s economic hub and a key center for construction and infrastructure development. A survey instrument was administered to 204 professionals across academia, government and industry sectors engaged in built environment fields. The findings revealed that GOV, TECH and KNOW are the strongest predictors of UIC effectiveness, while ORG and NET exhibited moderate influence. In turn, UIC strength significantly enhanced all four higher education performance outcomes, with particularly strong effects on innovation and graduate employability. This study contributes novel insights by centering built environment professionals, an often-overlooked stakeholder group, in the UIC discourse. It concludes with policy and practical recommendations for promoting inclusive and sustainable UIC frameworks aligned with national development priorities.