USING COMPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE TO ACHIEVE ALTERNATIVE RESULTS: THE COOPERATION BETWEEN UNIVERSITY, INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT

This theoretical study proposes that HEI could contribute to the students' knowledge of business reality and their preparation for the job market, connecting students and businesses, as well as providing services to society. In this sense, it aims to develop a proposal in order to create a business support office for training students (and alumni) guided by committed teachers. The office should be independent and offer a complementary teaching-learning process. Its main functions are: i) to identify those interested in supporting the exchange of services; ii) to provide consulting services (e.g. strategy, marketing, finance, human resources etc.). Initially, it should be restricted to the management course but, in the course of time, it would be extended to the remaining courses. This theoretical study has several practical implications. From the student perspective, it will be expected practical learning and labour market first contact, which will increase the odds of employability. From the company's perspective, namely for small firms, it streamlines the inexpensive support received from professionals. From the Higher Education Institution perspective, the institution will provide a practical experience and it will be a complement to help the learning process. From the government's perspective, it will be able to minimize the unemployment rate of new graduates, making it easier to be placed on their first job. Bearing in mind that the main result is also to promote the local integration, it is suggested to involve all possible stakeholders (e.g. City Council, local/regional Institutions and Associations, etc.). It is hoped that it can be applied to disadvantaged or decertified territories of the country, believing that the results of integrated collaboration can differentiate the social and economic aspects of the entire community life.