TY - JOUR
T1 - Formal and Informal Knowledge and Technology Transfer from Academia to Industry
T2 - Complementarity Effects and Innovation Performance
AU - Grimpe, Christoph
AU - Hussinger, Katrin
PY - 2013/11
Y1 - 2013/11
N2 - Literature has identified formal and informal channels in university knowledge and technology transfer (KTT). While formal KTT typically involves a legal contract on a patent or on collaborative research activities, informal transfer channels refer to personal contacts and hence to the tacit dimension of knowledge transfer. Research is, however, scarce regarding the interaction of formal and informal transfer mechanisms. In this paper, we analyze whether these activities are mutually reinforcing, i.e., complementary. Our analysis is based on a comprehensive data-set of more than 2,000 German manufacturing firms and confirms a complementary relationship between formal and informal KTT modes: using both transfer channels contributes to higher innovation performance. The management of the firm should therefore strive to maintain close informal relationships with universities to realize the full potential of formal KTT.
AB - Literature has identified formal and informal channels in university knowledge and technology transfer (KTT). While formal KTT typically involves a legal contract on a patent or on collaborative research activities, informal transfer channels refer to personal contacts and hence to the tacit dimension of knowledge transfer. Research is, however, scarce regarding the interaction of formal and informal transfer mechanisms. In this paper, we analyze whether these activities are mutually reinforcing, i.e., complementary. Our analysis is based on a comprehensive data-set of more than 2,000 German manufacturing firms and confirms a complementary relationship between formal and informal KTT modes: using both transfer channels contributes to higher innovation performance. The management of the firm should therefore strive to maintain close informal relationships with universities to realize the full potential of formal KTT.
KW - Complementarity
KW - Innovation performance
KW - University knowledge and technology transfer
U2 - 10.1080/13662716.2013.856620
DO - 10.1080/13662716.2013.856620
M3 - Journal article
SN - 1366-2716
VL - 20
SP - 683
EP - 700
JO - Industry and Innovation
JF - Industry and Innovation
IS - 8
ER -