Quality 4.0 in higher education: reinventing academic-industry-government collaboration during disruptive times

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the conditions of successful implementation of Quality 4.0 in higher education institutions (HEIs) and the key factors affecting it, as well as the role of the Triple Helix collaborative (THC) framework in enhancing the integration of Quality 4.0 principles and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey-based strategy was adopted, adopting questionnaires distributed amongst researchers chosen based on their publications related to the aforementioned fields.

Findings

The successful integration of disruptive technologies, Quality 4.0 and THC in HEIs heavily relies on educators' continuous learning and professional development. Faculty members must acquire digital skills and competencies to effectively adopt disruptive technologies and implement Quality 4.0 principles in their teaching practices. HEIs should provide opportunities for faculty members to engage in ongoing training programmes, workshops and communities of practice that focus on enhancing their technological proficiencies, pedagogical strategies and collaborative skills.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported study linking the concepts of Quality 4.0 and the Triple Helix of Innovation in HEIs.

Citation

Wawak, S., Teixeira Domingues, J.P. and Sampaio, P. (2024), "Quality 4.0 in higher education: reinventing academic-industry-government collaboration during disruptive times", The TQM Journal, Vol. 36 No. 6, pp. 1569-1590. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-07-2023-0219