Developing collaboration structures for university-industry interaction and innovations
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the doing, using, and interacting (DUI) of Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) while developing intra- and inter-collaboration with industry. It also reviews recent literature related to the roles of absorptive capacity (AC) and social capital (SC) in interaction.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case research on developing collaborations between UAS and small- and medium-sized enterprises for innovation activities.
Findings
Prior knowledge and contacts vary in organisations, and interaction should be supported while aiming to maximise benefits of internal and external resources available for innovation. This paper contributes by pointing out the importance of the interconnection of DUI, AC, and SC while developing collaboration.
Originality/value
This paper describes issues challenging the collaborative innovation activities and directions to focus on structural development to support interaction with parties having different backgrounds, goals, and strengths. The study highlights the importance of knowledge exchange with several universities and firms, and the different learning modes related to innovation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the ERDF programme, through the Regional Council of Päijät-Häme, for their financial support, and the UAS and firms participating in the research activities.
Citation
Mäkimattila, M., Junell, T. and Rantala, T. (2015), "Developing collaboration structures for university-industry interaction and innovations", European Journal of Innovation Management, Vol. 18 No. 4, pp. 451-470. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-05-2013-0044
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited