Differing expectations in student-industry collaborations: Towards a value-based framework fostering dialogic ground

This chapter addresses differing expectations in student–industry collaborations, which often turn into obstacles threatening the success of such collaborations. To address this issue, we propose a value-based framework that helps foster dialogic ground in student–industry collaborations. The framework builds on the discussion of two cases, derived from our own teaching experiences. Based on this, differing expectations in academia and industry are conceptualised, drawing on the concepts of other and otherness. In extension to the theoretical understanding, we then scrutinise the cases from a communication perspective. The analysis shows that communication processes may be experienced as creating unbridgeable gaps and positions may become locked, if certain issues fail to be addressed. The suggested framework is meant as a starting point for facilitating dialogic discussions, creating mutual learning spaces for all partners involved.