The influence of industry-aligned curriculum on TVET–industry collaboration activities in Jiangxi province: The mediating role of inter-organisational trust

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyse the impact of an industry-aligned curriculum on the extent and nature of collaboration between TVET institutions and industries in Jiangxi Province. As industry booms in Jiangxi Province, a series of skill-mismatch issues has emerged, highlighting the important role that TVET institutions can play in creating industry-ready talent. However, all TVET institutions still experience a skills mismatch, suggesting the need for better linkages and curriculum alignment between TVET institutions and industry partners. Through quantitative cross-sectional research involving 360 informants from TVET and related institutions and enterprises in Jiangxi Province, it was found that there is a significant mediating effect of curriculum alignment on the implementation of collaboration activities between TVET institutions and industry. A quantitative cross-sectional survey of informants from TVET institutions and industry partners was conducted in Jiangxi Province, and empirical evidence showed a significant mediating effect of industry-aligned curriculum on collaboration activities between TVET institutions and enterprises. Therefore, the results of this research indicate that curriculum alignment alone is not sufficient to enhance collaboration between TVET institutions and industry; inter-organisational trust is required to facilitate continuous collaboration activities. The findings also show the intervening role of trust in the TVET–industry relationship and extend the theoretical frameworks of Resource Dependence Theory and Social Capital Theory.