Overcoming Obstacles: A Roadmap for Effective Collaboration Between Engineering Academics and Third Space Professionals

Collaboration between academics and third space professional supporting learning and teaching plays a vital role in enhancing student success and the overall student experience, particularly in global higher education institutions. Third Space Professionals who support learning and teaching are integral to these collaborations. Partnerships between academics and third space professionals allows for sharing of resources, diverse perspectives, and expertise, all of which contribute to advancing university initiatives aimed at enriching the student experience. However, in large, multi-campus institutions such as Heriot-Watt University, numerous barriers-including differences in academic disciplines, geographical location, and misalignment of support structures-can impede effective collaboration. This study aims to investigate the barriers and enablers to collaboration within the Heriot-Watt University context and to propose recommendations to enhance collaboration across its global campuses. Building on previous research that categorized barriers to academic and industry/community collaboration into five key areas-teaching obligations, partner (dis)interest, academic freedom, partner constraints, and university resources -this project explores how these barriers manifest in the academic-staff dynamic within the university.

To gather comprehensive data, mixed method research was conducted. A survey was conducted with open and closed-ended questions, for engineering academics across three campuses, with a response rate of approximately 40%. For those who agreed to participate, a focus group session was held. The survey provided quantitative insights, and the key themes explored in the survey included: - the frequency of engagement in collaborative projects, - the type of support received by engineering academics, - communication platforms used, - the availability of support structures, and - suggestions for improvement. While the focus groups offered qualitative data for further analysis and the key themes from the survey were further investigated to improve the understanding of collaboration: - Building a collaborative environment, - Impact of Collaboration on Learning and Teaching, - Services Supporting Collaboration and - Challenges in collaboration. Preliminary results revealed key insights into collaboration between Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering and third space professionals at HWU: - The major communication platforms utilized by respondents include emails and Microsoft Teams. - Support on curriculum development emerged as a major focus, largely in response to accreditation issues and departmental changes. - An unforeseen theme emerged, revealing an increasing need for support in innovative teaching and active learning, highlighting a need for pedagogical innovation. - Participants who opted for the focus group discussion suggested the option of regular meetings between academics and third space professionals to foster ongoing collaboration. - Other suggestions included the use of recorded sessions/materials for those unable to attend sessions and developing cross-campus initiatives and projects to enhance collaboration while increasing inclusivity. These findings have an impact in shaping a strategy aimed at overcoming collaboration barriers, raising awareness about the benefits of collaboration, and highlighting its impact on student success. Ultimately, the aim is to support the development of a global learning community at Heriot-Watt, fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and nurtures academic excellence.