Connecting academia and industry: Change management in curriculum co-design

Collaboration between academia and industry is essential for addressing skills gaps, fostering innovation, and enhancing graduate employability. This study examines the transition from an academic push to an industry pull model in curriculum co-design within the Irish higher education sector. A change management framework was applied to analyse this transition, providing a structured approach to understanding stakeholder engagement, resistance, and coalition building. Using a qualitative case study of the iEd Hub, a project under Ireland’s Human Capital Initiative (HCI), we explored the experiences of academic and industry stakeholders through in-depth interviews. Findings reveal that while both groups recognised the value of industry-led curriculum development, differences in urgency, motivation, and institutional culture created challenges. Industry partners prioritised job-ready graduates, while academics were more cautious about maintaining academic integrity. The application of change management principles highlighted the importance of structured coalition building, stakeholder alignment, and ongoing communication strategies to navigate these tensions effectively. By framing university-industry collaboration as a change process, this study demonstrates how change management models can guide and optimise these initiatives. The findings underscore the need for proactive leadership, continuous stakeholder engagement, and structured communication channels to ensure long-term sustainability.