Title: Network building between research institutions and small and medium enterprises (SMEs): dynamics of innovation network building and implications for a policy option

Authors: Junmo Kim

Addresses: Korea Institute of Public Administration (KIPA), Byuk-San Apt. 302-1001, Suzi-Ep, Juk-Jun-Ri 941, Yong-In, Gyung-Gi-Do 449-775, South Korea

Abstract: As the economies and the regions are being transformed into knowledge-based entities, the importance of science and technology as the locomotive for economic growth has been increasing in many different parts of the world. In the awakening of this importance, one of the clear trends has been the research network-building at different levels. From a macro-level National innovation system and international cooperation in research, to regional-level science cities, and to micro-level technology incubators, a common thread has been building an effective network. While much has been studied on macro and middle level institutions such as National innovation systems and science cities, it is understood that micro-level research network building have been left as areas for further research. With this aim, this research focused on the necessity for building research networks between government funded research institutions and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with strong demands for technology. In undertaking the research, this paper employed a survey as the source for data collection and utilised a Logit regression model to analyse the feasibility of proposing a more formal research network as the policy option. In the conclusion, this research presents a possibility that the results from this research can be applied in other countries, despite the fact that this study has been based on a survey in Korea.

Keywords: technology; government policy; innovation; network; SMEs; research institution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2002.001769

International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management, 2002 Vol.2 No.3, pp.272-285

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article