Suggestions for enhancing the utilization of empirical research methods: Facilitating university-industry collaboration in low- and middle-income countries

We discuss how neglecting empirical methods courses and studies has reduced the capacity of higher education institutions (HEIs) in low- and middle-income (LMI) countries to develop fruitful collaboration with partners in society and to solve socioeconomic problems. With the situation in Iran serving as background, we first elaborate on the characteristics of higher education in LMI countries and the challenges that impede conducting empirical research. Second, while acknowledging the resource limitations of HEIs in LMI countries, we suggest multiple actions to provide enabling contextual mechanisms and enhance the motivation and capabilities of academic staff to learn and use empirical methods in research projects.