Industry–academic relation: utilization of idle capacities in polytechnics, universities and research organizations by entrepreneurs in Nigeria

Abstract In this study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the awareness and willingness of entrepreneurs to utilize the idle service and manufacturing capacities in selected educational institutions and research organizations in Nigeria by using questionnaire and interview techniques. The level of entrepreneurs' awareness of the idle capacities in higher institutions and research institutes was found to be high among the age range 30–49 years. Many entrepreneurs, especially owners of small and medium-sized firms, showed interest in utilizing the existing facilities. Entrepreneurs were found to have more consultancy linkages with higher institutions than research linkages, and the majority (47.62%) had no linkage with higher institutions/research institutes. Both entrepreneurs and research institutes generally agreed to the strategies of publicity, investment through co-operatives, joint ventures and profit-sharing proposed to enhance effective utilization of the idle capacities.