Title: Perceptions of a UK university as a knowledge-intensive business service enhancing organisational and regional service innovation

Authors: John Sparrow, Michele Mooney, Nick Lancaster

Addresses: University of Central England, Franchise Street, Perry Barr, Birmingham, West Midlands, B42 2SU, UK. ' University of Central England, Franchise Street, Perry Barr, Birmingham, West Midlands, B42 2SU, UK. ' University of Central England, Franchise Street, Perry Barr, Birmingham, West Midlands, B42 2SU, UK

Abstract: Much of the thinking concerning the role of universities| contribution to industry within the UK has focused upon science research, technology transfer, and policy-level deliberations. There is clear evidence that innovation occurs beyond the linear model of university research-led, high technology, product/process innovation, and the role of UK universities within service innovation specifically needs to be considered. The study builds upon previous research upon the role that knowledge intensive business services play in regional innovation. This paper presents findings from research upon a UK university case study. The study explores the perceptions of informed internal and external stakeholders upon the means through which regional service innovation can be enhanced by the university. The analysis reveals the need to utilise a comprehensive range of means through which staff can contribute to service innovation and identifies key relationships with the current conceptions of personal identity of academic staff.

Keywords: knowledge-intensive business services; UK universities; organisational innovation; regional innovation; service innovation; personal identity; United Kingdom; higher education; business innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2006.011097

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2006 Vol.1 No.1/2, pp.191 - 203

Published online: 13 Oct 2006 *

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