University-industry open innovation: main enablers and practices based on a scoping review
Abstract
Purpose
Given their capacity to generate knowledge, universities can be the primary external source of knowledge and innovation for companies. Despite studies on the potential drivers of open innovation, the actors involved in these projects beyond academics and the most effective practices that universities follow for successful university–industry collaborations remain unclear. This study aims to identify the enablers and best practices universities follow to contribute to successful university–industry open innovation results, providing a conceptual framework for the management of such initiatives.
Design/methodology/approach
Articles from peer-reviewed academic journals identified in the Scopus and Web of Science databases were researched in this scoping review. The review used descriptive and thematic analyses and focused on 93 articles published between 2013 and 2023 that analysed universities’ enablers and practices for knowledge transfer to the industry.
Findings
Organisational factors, stakeholder attitudes, infrastructure, and external factors facilitate knowledge transfer from universities to companies. The most effective practices for promoting innovation are related to project management, policies and incentives and are relational and educational. Performance results can be evaluated through quantitative and qualitative indicators, measured at the different phases of the innovation process, considering the impacts achieved.
Originality/value
Previous reviews have focused on barriers, researchers’ motivations or specific enablers. The enablers and practices identified were analysed with a systemic vision, considering the university as a unit of analysis. This study suggests a comprehensive conceptual framework for the successful management of university–industry open innovation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author is grateful to the reviewers of this manuscript for their insightful comments that significantly enhanced the final product. The author also thanks professors Jean Pierre Seclen Luna, Denisse Hinojosa, Guillermo Vásquez and colleagues from the Research Group on Innovation Management (GIGI-PUCP) for their helpful suggestions.
Citation
Murga Pinillos, A.Y. (2024), "University-industry open innovation: main enablers and practices based on a scoping review", International Journal of Innovation Science, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-08-2023-0194
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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