Towards an Industry-Academia Collaboration Framework for the Development of Digital Geospatial Surveying Micro-Credentials

Abstract: The geospatial surveying sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation, intensifying demand for advanced digital skills amid widespread workforce shortages and declining education pathways. Micro credentials have emerged as a flexible solution for targeted, industry aligned upskilling, yet their effective development requires structured collaboration between Higher Education Institutions and industry. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for designing Digital Geospatial Micro Credentials through an Industry–Academia Collaboration model, synthesising multidisciplinary literature and preliminary action research. The framework integrates key drivers, collaborative patterns, and outputs, offering a foundation for future validation and enabling responsive approaches to developing digitally skilled geospatial professionals.