Drivers and barriers to industry engaging in engineering education

The CDIO Standards provide an excellent framework for the engagement of industry stakeholders in the development and operation of professional engineering degrees. This framework is echoed in the program accreditation requirements operated by Engineers Australia and other accreditation bodies. Implementing effective industry engagement is, however, increasingly challenging to both academics (faculty) and industry members, despite much mutual goodwill between the two sectors. This paper provides the findings of a recent study on the drivers and barriers to engagement by industry to engineering education. The theoretical framework for the study was that all aspects of engineering education should be comprehensively engaged with practice, thus endorsing the principles of CDIO. Data presented from a student survey reinforces the value of good industry engagement in the curriculum. The principal findings from the consultation with industry highlight barriers in terms of poor communication, different priorities and lack of resources; but also identify strong drivers for engagement in terms of industry and company visibility for recruiting and brand promotion, internal staff development, relationship development, and social (corporate and professional) responsibility. Consistent with the goodwill between engineering schools and industry, there is a general desire on the part of industry to see the barriers to engagement lowered. The broader project, of which this study is a part, provided a number of recommendations for engineering schools, individually and collectively to contribute to improved industry engagement practices.