University-industry relationships and open innovation : towards a research agenda

Organisations increasingly rely on external sources of innovation viainterorganisational network relationships. This article explores the diffusion andcharacteristics of collaborative relationships between universities and industry, anddevelops a research agenda informed by an ‘open innovation’ perspective. Aframework is proposed, distinguishing university-industry relationships from othermechanisms such as technology transfer or human mobility. On the basis of theexisting body of research, the role of practices such as collaborative research,university-industry research centres, contract research and academic consulting isanalysed. The evidence suggests that such university-industry relationships are widelypracticed whereby differences exist across industries and scientific disciplines. Whilemost existing research focuses on the effects of university-industry links oninnovation-specific variables, such as patents or firm innovativeness, theorganisational dynamics of these relationships remain under-researched. A detailedresearch agenda addresses research needs in two main areas: search and matchprocesses between universities and firms, and the organisation and management ofcollaborative relationships.