Academia-Industry Collaborations in EdTech: The Hows and Whys

In sectors like healthcare or engineering, collaboration between academia and industry is driving innovation and turning research into real-world solutions. But in education, such partnerships have long been met with hesitation.

To demonstrate that such partnerships can work and deliver meaningful impact, we compiled a collection of case studies showcasing a diverse range of collaborations: from co-developing tools rooted in the learning sciences to generating evidence that informs both product design and pedagogical effectiveness.

The case studies span the globe, including examples from the USA, Canada and Luxembourg. They are not intended as definitive models, but as powerful illustrations of the mutual value of working together. The aim of the report is to inspire more scholars and industry leaders to explore what collaboration can look like in practice and how, together, they can advance educational innovation with impact.

Why do academia–industry partnerships in EdTech matter?

Professor Natalia I. Kucirkova, our Centre Director, explores this crucial question in a recent academic article. Drawing on existing literature and successful real-world examples, she highlights how collaboration between researchers and EdTech companies can drive meaningful innovation. The article identifies some tensions in the field and provides some key tips for successful academia-industry collaborations.