Title: Success factors of interorganisational knowledge transfer: a case of a collaborative public–private R&D project

Authors: Pekka Salmi, Marko Torkkeli

Addresses: Department of Industrial Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Prikaatintie 9, FIN-45100 Kouvola, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Prikaatintie 9, FIN-45100 Kouvola, Finland

Abstract: The ability to effectively transfer valuable knowledge across organisational boundaries has been shown to be an important determinant of success of cooperation. In this paper, we examine the most important factors facilitating and impeding knowledge transfer in academic-industry research collaborations. We first discuss these factors in terms of the nature of knowledge being transferred and communication theory. We also review characteristics of academic-industry partnerships in order to identify specific factors that may affect the success of knowledge transfer. In a case study, we then examine a collaborative innovation process involving a governmental research institute and an engineering consulting firm. Finally, research findings are compared to the results of earlier studies and managerial implications are given.

Keywords: knowledge transfer; innovation process; R&D; public–private collaboration; academic research; engineering consulting; research and development; academic-industry research; university research; industrial collaboration; government research.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2009.022750

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2009 Vol.3 No.2, pp.109 - 125

Published online: 26 Jan 2009 *

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