THE IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT-INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA TRIPLE HELIX MODEL ON PERFORMANCE OF SINDH TECHNICAL EDUCATION & VOCATIONAL TRAINING AUTHORITY (STEVTA): A LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Abstract

This longitudinal study investigates the impact of the Government-Industry-Academia (GIA) Triple Helix Model on the performance of the Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA) in Pakistan. Established in 2009 to address the demand for skilled labor, STEVTA faces challenges in aligning its curricula with labor market needs due to fragmented GIA collaboration. Drawing on the Triple Helix framework, this research examines how structured partnerships among government, industry, and academia influence institutional performance, graduate employability, and skills alignment over time. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and qualitative stakeholder interviews, the study analyzes data from 300 respondents, comprising students, faculty, industry partners, and policymakers. Findings reveal that government involvement is the strongest predictor of student performance, mediating the effects of industry and academic collaboration. The study highlights stakeholder perception variations and underscores the need for systematic GIA partnerships to address skills gaps and enhance institutional resilience. These findings contribute to Triple Helix theory by demonstrating its applicability in a developing economy’s vocational education context and offer practical recommendations for policymakers to strengthen STEVTA’s effectiveness through improved coordination, curriculum reform, and stakeholder engagement.