Case Study 5 — Strategic Partnership Between a University and Industry

Challenge:
A Scandinavian university sought to strengthen its graduate employability rates and enhance its reputation in technology-driven fields. Despite having strong academic programs, it lacked deep industry engagement and structured internship pipelines, making it difficult for graduates to transition smoothly into the workforce. The university wanted to create partnerships with companies in the GCC and Asia but lacked the network and cultural expertise to do so effectively.

Agora’s Role:
We facilitated introductions between the university and key technology and engineering firms within our international partner network. Working closely with both sides, we co-designed an industry-integrated curriculum, incorporating real-world projects, guest lectures by industry leaders, and a structured internship program. Our team also conducted cross-cultural training sessions for university staff and corporate partners to ensure smooth collaboration. To amplify visibility, we developed a joint marketing campaign promoting the partnership to prospective students in the GCC, East Asia, and Northern Europe.

Outcome:
The university signed three long-term partnership agreements with leading companies in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and HK. Within the first academic year of implementation, 85% of participating students secured internships, and graduate employment rates in the targeted fields improved by 27%. The initiative also increased the university’s international student enrollment by 15%, solidifying its position as a globally connected, industry-ready institution.