arbiter
JournalsAccount

University and business environment in the Creative Helix: the impact of clusters on collaboration and employability of graduates

Daniela-Mihaela Neamtu et al.

Journal of Business Economics and Management2026https://doi.org/10.3846/jbem.2026.25752article
AJG 2ABDC B
Weight
0.50

Abstract

This study examines the role of clusters in enhancing collaboration between universities and businesses, and their impact on graduate employability. Drawing on the Creative Helix model and cluster theory, the research investigates how regional innovation ecosystems facilitate knowledge transfer, innovation, and workforce integration. A quantitative methodology used a structured questionnaire for three stakeholder groups: academic staff, students, and business representatives. Exploratory factor analysis and reliability tests supported the instrument’s validity and revealed five key factors shaping the university-business interface within clusters. The findings highlight that clusters stimulate cooperation, improve curriculum relevance, and increase graduates’ readiness for the labour market. The research contributes to the theoretical understanding of cluster-based collaboration and offers practical guidance for universities and regional policy-makers aiming to strengthen employability through structured partnerships. The paper’s originality lies in its integrative framework connecting regional development, higher education, and labour market needs, offering empirical evidence from an emerging economy. The study underscores the value of clusters as strategic tools for economic and educational transformation. This evidence is bounded by the study’s regional focus, sectoral coverage and reliance on self-reported questionnaires. Future research should integrate policy-maker perspectives and longitudinal or administrative employment data across multiple regions.

Open via your library →

Cite this paper

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3846/jbem.2026.25752

Or copy a formatted citation

@article{daniela-mihaela2026,
  title        = {{University and business environment in the Creative Helix: the impact of clusters on collaboration and employability of graduates}},
  author       = {Daniela-Mihaela Neamtu et al.},
  journal      = {Journal of Business Economics and Management},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3846/jbem.2026.25752},
}

Paste directly into BibTeX, Zotero, or your reference manager.

Flag this paper

University and business environment in the Creative Helix: the impact of clusters on collaboration and employability of graduates

Flags are reviewed by the Arbiter methodology team within 5 business days.

Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.