University–industry collaboration in post-Soviet states: A bibliometric study with implications for educational policy and practice

University–industry collaboration has become an essential mechanism not only for fostering innovation and economic development but also for shaping the educational missions of universities. In post-Soviet states, however, University–Industry Collaboration has evolved within a distinctive context marked by the legacies of centrally planned economies, state dominance, and systemic transition, creating both structural barriers and new opportunities for higher education reform. This study conducts a bibliometric review of University–Industry Collaboration research in post-Soviet states between 1991 and 2024, complemented by a thematic analysis of selected studies. Using a dataset of 223 publications drawn from the Web of Science and applying co-citation analysis, bibliographic coupling, and thematic mapping, the study identifies the intellectual foundations, collaborative networks, and key thematic clusters shaping the field. The findings reveal five persistent challenges—state dominance, weak industry demand, underdeveloped commercialization infrastructure, human capital constraints, and cultural barriers—alongside emerging opportunities for curriculum reform, work-based learning, and employability-focused teaching models. Beyond mapping the research landscape, the study shows how University–Industry Collaboration intersects with higher education by reshaping curricula, influencing academic roles, and expanding student engagement with industry. These insights extend current debates by situating the post-Soviet experience within broader discussions of educational change, institutional reform, and the pedagogical implications of university–industry partnerships.