Abstract:
SMEs are vital contributors to the process of commercialization of new knowledge discovered by
universities. Understanding impediments and approaches for linkages between a faculty and SMEs is
therefore important. The purpose of this research is to identify the impediments and approaches for the
linkages between management faculty of Jaffna University and AMEs of the Northern Province, Sri
Lanka. Data were collected using 14 in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions with the
students, staff and SMEs. Findings show 10 impediments as motivation, curriculum, infrastructure, work
overload, instructive methods, awareness support, immense gap exists, and negative attitude towards
community participation. This study identified eight approaches for altering pedagogical methods,
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incorporating field visits for co-creation of knowledge, motivating faculty level centers, attitude change
program, inviting stakeholder partners for networking and student leaderships, outcome-based
measures, awards and quality-led approach.
