Title: Understanding university-industry linkages and training quality

Authors: Anh Nguyen Thi Lan; Anh Dao Thi Van; Duy Van Nguyen; Dat Ngoc Nguyen

Addresses: Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation, Tay Bac University, Son La, Vietnam ' Faculty of Economics, Tay Bac University, Son La, Vietnam ' Faculty of Business Administration, Phenikaa University, Duong Noi, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam ' School of International Economics and Business, Foreign Trade University, Hanoi, Vietnam

Abstract: Research on University-Industry Linkages (UIL) plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of university training. However, understanding enterprises by universities is also a key factor that improves training quality through UIL. This study aims to evaluate the impact of understanding enterprises on training quality via UIL. UIL is examined through three factors: knowledge transfer, research cooperation and technology transfer. Data were collected from 205 valid respondents, including staff and lecturers at universities in North-West Vietnam. The results of PLS-SEM using Smart-PLS version 4.0 indicate that understanding enterprises positively impacts training quality, and UIL also positively affects training quality. Signalling theory is utilised in this study to support and explain these results. Based on these findings, the authors propose several implications for enhancing training quality and UIL in North-West Vietnam.

Keywords: universities-industry linkages; university quality; training quality; smart-PLS; North-West Vietnam.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2026.152702

International Journal of Management in Education, 2026 Vol.20 No.3, pp.324 - 339

Received: 04 Mar 2025
Accepted: 24 Jun 2025
Published online: 07 Apr 2026 *

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