Navigating Transdisciplinary Collaboration in Higher Education: Bridging the Gap between Academic Knowledge and Practical Application

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have increasingly embraced their third mission: transferring knowledge to society. This expanded role extends beyond research and teaching, emphasizing practice-oriented programs that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications. A significant aspect of this shift is transdisciplinary (TD) collaboration, which integrates diverse fields to address complex societal issues such as climate change and social inequalities (Crow, 2010; Scholz, 2020). This systematic review explores how HEI-based research centers foster TD collaboration, using a five-stage methodological framework (Arksey & O’Malley, 2005) to map relevant literature.

The review initially considered 43 studies published since 2000, identifying two core strategies for TD engagement within HEIs: curriculum reforms and research initiatives. These efforts aim to equip students with explicit knowledge and practical skills increasingly expected by employers in both private and public sectors. Narrowing the focus to 10 studies specifically addressing university research centers, the findings reveal critical elements for successful TD collaboration: clarifying thematic areas, securing institutional support, engaging external stakeholders, and continuous capacity building.

Despite these advances, challenges such as leadership dynamics, communication barriers, institutional constraints, and power imbalances persist. These factors can hinder effective knowledge transfer between academia and practice, requiring HEIs to address them to optimize TD collaboration.

This review contributes to the growing conversation on how HEIs adapt their study programs to meet the demands of the third mission. By fostering environments where academicians and practitioners collaborate on equal footing, HEIs can enhance the practical skills of graduates, preparing them for the labor market. These insights provide empirical perspectives on bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application in transdisciplinary settings.