The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Promoting Industrialisation in Zimbabwe

The role of universities in promoting industrialisation in Zimbabwe has attracted much interest among academia and researchers nationwide. These Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) constitute several governments' grand strategies for promoting the development of small-scale industries. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in promoting industrialisation in Zimbabwe. The study adopted the pragmatism research which integrates both the positivism and interpretivism research paradigms. The study followed the mixed methods approach in which both quantitative and qualitative data collection was conducted through in-depth online interviews and questionnaires due to COVID-19 restrictions. The descriptive research design was employed as it is best suited in mixed-method research. Respondents were drawn from industry and state universities through convenience and purposive sampling. Quantitative data was edited and coded for quantitative analyses using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) whilst the qualitative data from the interview and document reviews was analysed using content and thematic analysis. On data testing, inferential statistics was adopted and used. The results of the study revealed that the role of HEIs in promoting industrialisation is underpinned by factors such as organisational structure, culture, availability, and adequacy of infrastructure. Furthermore, HEIs also provide skilled manpower for industry through the creation of entrepreneurial spirit and culture among students. The study recommends that sector-specific training programmes must be provided for the manufacturing, retail, and services sectors. Additionally, the curriculum needs to be reviewed such that it is in line with industry expectations as well as the Doctrine Education 5.0. Innovation hubs and industrial parks established at universities must encourage industry-based outcomes and solutions that will spur industrialisation. HEIs should partner with the government and the industry to effectively support the development of industrialisation in Zimbabwe.