Regional knowledge-transfer networks strengthen collaborati-on between SMEs and universities
The more transparent universities are about their research and knowledge-transfer activities, the easier it is for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to find the right scientific expertise to help develop innovations. After all, company managers often have little way of knowing which university or research institution has the expertise needed for their particular innovation project.
For this reason, the researchers at IfM Bonn recommend establishing regional knowledge-transfer networks. These networks should bring together technology-transfer offices at universities and research institutions, chambers of industry and commerce, industry associations, chambers of skilled crafts, business networks and financial intermediaries. Working together, they should promote not only tech-nological innovation partnerships but also non-technological forms of innovation cooperation, such as improving business processes.
"To strengthen collaboration between the various partners, coordinate networking activities and showcase examples of good practice, central knowledge-transfer offices at regional level could also play a valuable role," says IfM Bonn researcher Dr Sebastian Schneider.
Although Germany has funding programmes designed to foster networking between SMEs, universities and intermediary organisations, innovation partnerships often arise from pre-existing contacts with universities – for example, through work-based degree programmes or alumni networks. As a result, companies that have so far had little contact with universities or limited access to relevant regional networks are less likely to become involved in innovation partnerships.
Both universities and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefit from knowledge-transfer partnerships. SMEs can draw in particular on universities’ scientific expertise, technical infrastructure and experience in applying for re-search funding. The universities, therefore, gain valuable market insights, prac-tical knowledge and business expertise from companies.
The key to successful cooperation, however, lies in having specific points of contact, transparency and trust. "Continuous dialogue between the relevant stakeholders at universities and in businesses is important for building a better mutual understanding of their different objectives and approaches. To give one example: while universities generally seek to publish their research findings, SMEs want to protect knowledge relevant to their innovations from compe-titors. The more open the communication between SMEs and universities, the less concern there is about sensitive knowledge being disclosed," says the IfM researcher.
