Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are increasingly trying to address the demand for better institutional collaborations. In this context, the question of interface initiatives between higher education and industry has become highly topical. This paper presents various models of collaboration between industry HEIs. The interface between HEIs and industry in the Indian context are analyzed through selected case studies. A comprehensive list of current and possible forms of industry engagements by higher education institutions is identified and these are grouped into different cells for institution-industry interfaces. This paper concludes by presenting a matrix for collaboration in management education, as an indicative proposal. As institutions are continuously looking at methods to improve themselves, the implication of industry interfaces on educative process and its link with action learning are suggested for future studies.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are increasingly trying to address the demand for better institutional collaborations. The need for industry engagements of higher education is already established by different authors such as Cerych (1989), Crawshaw (1996) and Ananthakrishnan and Halyburton (2003). The present paper attempts to present various models of Industry-HEI collaboration. Different studies already proved the benefits of industry-academia engagements.

Crawshaw (1996) after analyzing the role of placement as a means of industry link, concludes that with total collaboration and commitment of educational and industrial partners a mutually fruitful and developing relationship can be formulated. A study by Cerych (1989) suggests further researches on the academia-industry collaborations and its impact on different areas of education.

Pickering et al. (1999) takes a strategic management approach towards institution and industry interface by emphasizing the need for sharing strategy and risks in order to gain competitive advantages. The article also looks into the requirements of industry and academia one another. Industry needs business benefits by way of cost-effective and efficient R&D, spotting future talent, mutually agreed control over IPR and there by better competitive advantage for business. Business on the other hand looks at the interface opportunities as a means of sharing risks and rewards by building a strategic university partnership. Academia expects support from the industry for academic excellence. Pickering primarily sees institution industry interface as an interface for R&D and industrial background. Similar conclusion was arrived at by Ananthakrishnan and Halyburton (2003) while commenting on industry-academic partnership in engineering programs.

Higher Education Journal, Management Education, Higher Education Institutions, Strategic Management, Education Policies, Higher Education Sectors, Economic Development, Industry Collaborations, Industrial Innovation, Corporate Education, Executive Development Programs, Management Development Programs.