In modern conditions, the system of interaction between the university and representatives of the real sector of the economy is one of the key factors of competitiveness. In this regard, the development of a model of interaction “university - industrial enterprise” is especially relevant. The purpose of the study is to confirm the hypothesis that the graduate is the main source of partnerships for universities. The objectives of the study are: analysis of the current partnerships between the university and the graduate of the largest technical universities of the Russian Federation; determination of the levels of interaction between the university and representatives of the real sector of the economy (industrial enterprises); development of a “motivation ladder” for the graduate on the way to his transformation from an applicant who considers the university from the point of view of an assistant at the start of professional activity to a strategic partner - an industrial enterprise that considers the university as a source of research competencies; the development of an original model of interaction “university - industrial enterprise” based on the principles of crowdfunding and managing the grad[1]uate development cycle as a partner from the applicant to the employer . The authors developed a “motivational triad”, reflecting the predictive utility of cooperation in the long term. To confirm the practical significance of the conducted study, digital communication outlines were designed that describe key business processes and the achieved result at each level of interaction between the university and industrial enterprises, which can be integrated into the digital infrastructure of universities. The research described in this article was carried out using the methods of observation, collection, analysis and systematization of information.