Exploring the Mechanisms of Knowledge Transfer in University-Industry Collaborations: A Study of Companies, Students and Researchers

This article discusses mechanisms, enablers and barriers for knowledge transfer
in university-industry collaboration projects involving companies, students and
researchers. Data is collected through 35 qualitative interviews with Danish
and Norwegian representatives from the above categories. All respondents have
been involved in collaborative projects, such as student-industry cooperation or
collaboration projects between scientists and businesses. This research shows
that to secure real value adding through knowledge transfer in universityindustry
collaboration projects, it is important that the involved parties view
each other as equal partners. It is argued that creating a better understanding
of roles and competences of the involved parties can help diminish this problem.
A final conclusion is that continuous knowledge sharing throughout the project
seems more highly valued by the involved parties than a final report does. Best
practice for collaborative projects is suggested.