University-industry collaboration in the context of generational differences

The thesis focuses on generational differences and their influence on collaboration between universities and industry. In the introductory part, the author conducts a literature review that outlines the current state of knowledge in both university-industry relations and generational characteristics while also highlighting the general challenges associated with these differences. The second part of the thesis presents empirical research based on interviews with representatives from academia and business. It explores the topic of universities and industry collaboration in greater depth, with a specific focus on how generational aspects are perceived by current policymakers when shaping such partnerships. The author concludes that the approaches of the two sectors differ significantly. Academic institutions tend to emphasize long-term objectives in collaboration, while companies often view partnerships in terms of short-term or medium-term goals, particularly in the context of recruitment. According to the author, this misalignment constitutes a broader challenge within the current Czech university-industry landscape. The thesis also identifies several examples of good practice and offers recommendations tailored to both types of actors. In the area of generational differences, the main recommendation is to strengthen student involvement in the development of university-industry collaboration and to suggest potential directions for future research.