Overcoming Obstacles: A Roadmap for Effective Collaboration between Engineering Academics and Third Space Professionals

Collaboration between academics and third space professionals is essential for enhancing student success and improving the student experience, particularly within global institutions like Heriot-Watt University [1]. Building on previous research that categorized barriers to academic and industry/community collaboration into five key areas-teaching obligations, partner (dis)interest, academic freedom, partner constraints, and university resources [2] -this project explores how these barriers manifest in the academic-staff dynamic within the university. This study investigates the enablers and obstacles to effective collaboration at Heriot-Watt and provides recommendations for fostering cross-campus collaborations. Using a mixed-methods approach, including a survey and a focus group with engineering academics, the identified key themes were communication platforms, curriculum development support, and a growing need for pedagogical innovation. A roadmap is proposed based on preliminary results whereby regular meetings, recorded sessions, and cross-campus projects could enhance collaboration, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for academic excellence.