The need for universities and industry to collaborate has been well established. In this paper, the authors present three cases studies, including 14 semi-structured interviews, across a range of disciplines. In the design and analysis of the study, they apply management and political science theories to better understand how stakeholder’s motivations influence the development of university/industry collaboration within an Australian university environment. The authors also present their findings across cases, and through five emerging themes:

1. stakeholder – trust and respect;
2. business alignment;
3. employability – mutual benefits;
4. commitment to cause – alignment of values; and
5. innovation/research focus.

This study provides real-world insight into influencing the development of university industry collaborations enhancing the student experience, and potentially impacting employability after graduation. The case studies focus on the disciplines of design, health and business.