Work

Why do firms collaborate with local universities?

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: This paper examines why firms sometimes collaborate locally rather than with higher-quality universities at a distance. Existing research has mostly relied on the localized knowledge spillover (LKS) model to explain this. This model holds that knowledge transfer across distance is costly, and collaborating locally reduces the risk of information loss when the knowledge is transferred. However, there are various other reasons that could also explain the pattern. If the local university can make a useful contribution, firms might choose to look no further. Firms may also see collaboration as a long-term investment, helping to build research quality at the local university with the hope of benefiting in future. Finally, firms may want to contribute to the local community. We extend the LKS model with these additional motivations and explore their validity using data from 23 semi-structured interviews of firms that collaborate intensively with lower-tier local universities.

Source: Regional Studies

DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2017.1413237

Authors: Rune Dahl Fitjar, Martin Gjelsvik

Institutions: University of Stavanger, International Research Institute of Stavanger

Language: English

Topic: University-Industry-Government Innovation Models

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Norges Forskningsråd, H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Awards: The Role of Universities in Innovation and Regional Development, G555762522