Title: University-Industry-Government linkages in biotech in a small transition country: the Estonian case

Authors: Tonis Mets

Addresses: Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Tartu, Narva Rd.4, EE51009 Tartu, Estonia

Abstract: Estonia, a transition country being |catching-up economy|, is complementing its capacity for technology absorption with potential for diffusion and commercialisation of technology. The aim of the paper is to study key issues related to university-industry knowledge transfer within the Estonian biotech sector. Empirical research of the SME sector was carried out in two sample groups: the first were Estonian research based biotech companies with independent strategies and the second were subsidiaries of foreign companies. The gross funding structure proportions of basic research, applied research, and product or service development in the Estonian biotechnology public and private sectors together were calculated as 11 : 5 : 1, which demonstrates the strong imbalance of the sectoral innovation processes. Balancing R&D is seen as an iterative process.

Keywords: biotechnology; R&D expenditures; knowledge transfer; national innovation system; university-industry-government cooperation; industrial collaboration; Estonia; universities; government support; research and development; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2009.023849

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2009 Vol.9 No.1/2, pp.139 - 156

Published online: 16 Mar 2009 *

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