Defining functional roles for research institutions in helix innovation networks

This paper presents an empirically grounded case-based analysis of quadruple helix innovation networks. On the basis of qualitative interviews with representatives of 16 heterogeneous networks, we investigate the functional network roles of 172 actors from the fields of academic research, business, government and society. In this article we focus on universities and research and technology organisations, which face the challenge of having to redefine their functional roles and unique value in the face of increased diversification of knowledge sources within current quadruple helix innovation systems. We delineate both existing and potential future roles for academic actors using a typology of functional roles, and present the challenges research establishments must meet in order to fulfil these roles successfully. Finally, we outline the implications of this analysis for the strategic positioning of research institutions, so as to ensure the future inclusion of their innovative capacity in collaborative innovation networks

Open Transfer: Ergebnisse des BMBF-geförderten Verbundprojektes zu Wissenschaft-Wirtschaft-Kooperationen in den Branchen Mikroelektronik, Optik sowie Mobilität und Verkehr

Digitalisierung und neue Innovationszyklen stellen wissensintensive Branchen vor große Herausforderungen. Neue Innovationsstrategien und neue Geschäftsmodelle ersetzen konventionelle Wertschöpfungsmuster. Der daraus resultierende Veränderungsdruck betrifft sowohl die interne Wissensproduktion von Unternehmen als auch ihre Forschungs- und Innovationskooperationen mit externen Forschungseinrichtungen: Die Aufgabenprofile und Anforderungen an die Forschungs- und Entwicklungsabteilungen verändern sich, der Stellenwert externen Wissens nimmt zu und alternative Formen der Kooperation gewinnen an Bedeutung. Das Projekt „Open Transfer“ hat sich in zwei Fallstudien mit der Frage beschäftigt, wie sich die Wertschöpfungsketten und die FuE-Kooperationen zwischen Unternehmen und Forschungseinrichtungen verändern. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse beschreiben etablierte und innovative Kooperationspraktiken und zeigen aktuelle Herausforderungen. Die Analyse verdeutlicht den gegenwärtigen und zunehmenden Stellenwert der engen Zusammenarbeit unterschiedlicher Akteure in Innovationsökosystemen

Open Transfer: Ergebnisse des BMBF-geförderten Verbundprojektes zu Wissenschaft-Wirtschaft-Kooperationen in den Branchen Mikroelektronik, Optik sowie Mobilität und Verkehr

Digitalisierung und neue Innovationszyklen stellen wissensintensive Branchen vor große Herausforderungen. Neue Innovationsstrategien und neue Geschäftsmodelle ersetzen konventionelle Wertschöpfungsmuster. Der daraus resultierende Veränderungsdruck betrifft sowohl die interne Wissensproduktion von Unternehmen als auch ihre Forschungs- und Innovationskooperationen mit externen Forschungseinrichtungen: Die Aufgabenprofile und Anforderungen an die Forschungs- und Entwicklungsabteilungen verändern sich, der Stellenwert externen Wissens nimmt zu und alternative Formen der Kooperation gewinnen an Bedeutung. Das Projekt „Open Transfer“ hat sich in zwei Fallstudien mit der Frage beschäftigt, wie sich die Wertschöpfungsketten und die FuE-Kooperationen zwischen Unternehmen und Forschungseinrichtungen verändern. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse beschreiben etablierte und innovative Kooperationspraktiken und zeigen aktuelle Herausforderungen. Die Analyse verdeutlicht den gegenwärtigen und zunehmenden Stellenwert der engen Zusammenarbeit unterschiedlicher Akteure in Innovationsökosystemen

Uncovering transfer - a cross-national comparative analysis

Purpose – Successful knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) is necessary to ensure the competitiveness and growth of national innovation systems. In this regard, technology transfer offices (TTOs) are becoming indispensable in their capacity as intermediaries between science, policy, industry, and the public. The purpose of this paper is to examine the strategies and operations of particularly productive transfer offices in five different countries in order to account for the high levels of transfer activity. Design/methodology/approach – To this end, the authors interviewed 34 senior KTT managers in these offices. The collected protocols were analysed in three phases. First, the authors extracted and organised the key characteristics of the transfer practices by applying rigorous method of open-end, qualitative content analysis. The authors then enhanced the thus gathered descriptive statistics and ultimately developed a transfer office typology by building on the concept of attribute space. Findings – The analysis suggests two ideal types of transfer offices, distinguishable in terms of their intertwined characteristics such as their goals, practices, sources of income, and positions within their associated organisations. While the primarily state-funded common good type would seek benefits to the public, the self-financed entrepreneurial type would pursue commercial success. The former would therefore create opportunities for disseminating knowledge and strengthening the local innovation ecosystem, while the latter would scout for promising ideas and cultivate relationships with industry. Originality/value – The goal was to uncover the individual characteristics of the offices under study, and the relationships between these characteristics, that can help explain these offices’ exceptional productivity. This study is the first to propose a TTO typology, which can support interorganisational and international transfer collaboration. The findings provide empirical evidence for the theoretical Quadruple Helix model of the innovation system and have implications for research and practice

Gender-specific constraints on academic entrepreneurship and engagement in knowledge and technology transfer

This article analyzes gender-specific constraints impacting scientists’ engagement in knowledge and technology transfer and entrepreneurial activities at public research institutions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To this end, we followed an exploratory case study approach and conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 40 academic entrepreneurs. The analysis revealed constraints impacting scientists’ active engagement in transfer and entrepreneurship on two levels. On the meta-level, we identified constraints related to: i) nationwide transfer culture and ii) funding guidelines and structures. On the operational level, we identified constraints related to: i) organizational strategies and practices; ii) organizational culture; and iii) individual attributes and attitudes. By analyzing gender differences among these constraints, the study contributes to an understanding of varying needs for gender-specific founding support programs. The study also derives several implications for managing transfer at research organizations

Academic entrepreneurship: phase-specific constraints and needs

Purpose Academic entrepreneurship is extremely relevant in knowledge and technology transfer (KTT). The purpose of this study is to provide insights into phase-specific constraints and needs impacting scientists’ engagement in entrepreneurial activities at public research institutions. Design/methodology/approach In an exploratory case study, 40 qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with German academic entrepreneurs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Findings Based on the data analysis, an ideal-typical founding process with phase-specific barriers and needs was identified. Many constraints and associated needs occur in more than one phase, including the lack of knowledge, the demand for exchange formats, the lack of time and financial resources, institutionalized return options, the lack of human resources and the lack of incentives. Research limitations/implications Given its exploratory approach, this study has limitations regarding its generalization; however, the presented findings may induce further research and in-depth analysis on this matter. Practical implications Several recommendations for action are provided for each phase of the founding process to strengthen the (entrepreneurial) transfer in research organizations. Generally, a pioneering indicator of excellence in the science system should be developed to promote transfer next to publications. Originality/value The study contributes to existing literature on determinants of academic entrepreneurship by indicating the phase-specific constraints and needs throughout the founding process and discussing those needs in the theoretical context of current societal and technological mega-trends. </jats:sec

Defining functional roles for research institutions in helix innovation networks

This paper presents an empirically grounded case-based analysis of quadruple helix innovation networks. On the basis of qualitative interviews with representatives of 16 heterogeneous networks, we investigate the functional network roles of 172 actors from the fields of academic research, business, government and society. In this article we focus on universities and research and technology organisations, which face the challenge of having to redefine their functional roles and unique value in the face of increased diversification of knowledge sources within current quadruple helix innovation systems. We delineate both existing and potential future roles for academic actors using a typology of functional roles, and present the challenges research establishments must meet in order to fulfil these roles successfully. Finally, we outline the implications of this analysis for the strategic positioning of research institutions, so as to ensure the future inclusion of their innovative capacity in collaborative innovation networks

Open Transfer: Ergebnisse des BMBF-geförderten Verbundprojektes zu Wissenschaft-Wirtschaft-Kooperationen in den Branchen Mikroelektronik, Optik sowie Mobilität und Verkehr

Digitalisierung und neue Innovationszyklen stellen wissensintensive Branchen vor große Herausforderungen. Neue Innovationsstrategien und neue Geschäftsmodelle ersetzen konventionelle Wertschöpfungsmuster. Der daraus resultierende Veränderungsdruck betrifft sowohl die interne Wissensproduktion von Unternehmen als auch ihre Forschungs- und Innovationskooperationen mit externen Forschungseinrichtungen: Die Aufgabenprofile und Anforderungen an die Forschungs- und Entwicklungsabteilungen verändern sich, der Stellenwert externen Wissens nimmt zu und alternative Formen der Kooperation gewinnen an Bedeutung. Das Projekt „Open Transfer“ hat sich in zwei Fallstudien mit der Frage beschäftigt, wie sich die Wertschöpfungsketten und die FuE-Kooperationen zwischen Unternehmen und Forschungseinrichtungen verändern. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse beschreiben etablierte und innovative Kooperationspraktiken und zeigen aktuelle Herausforderungen. Die Analyse verdeutlicht den gegenwärtigen und zunehmenden Stellenwert der engen Zusammenarbeit unterschiedlicher Akteure in Innovationsökosystemen