Strategic Benefits of University Partnerships with the Small/Medium Enterprise Community: The Greater Western Sydney Example

Abstract

The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector is critically important to the economy of Greater Western Sydney. This paper explores the mutually beneficial outcomes emerging from the growing relationship between SMEs and the University of Western Sydney. The challenges and motivations for partnerships are discussed, and examples of interactions are described. The success of both sectors is dramatically enhanced by collaboration and growing interest in the scholarship of community engagement is facilitating greater interaction.