Developing links with industry in research and development: the example of leading US universities

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Abstract

The topic of university-industry research cooperation remains a persistent interest among the scientific community. Countries with well-developed university-industry links have conducted extensive research on the topic. A comprehensive literature review reveals a diversity of cooperative models, with universities employing diverse strategies to cultivate lasting partnerships. A seminal aspect of this research is the emphasis on trust as a pivotal factor in fostering university-industry cooperation.

Drawing on interviews with experts from leading U.S. universities involved in establishing contacts and implementing projects with industry, this article explores the practical challenges of fostering scientific cooperation. The study emphasizes networking, industrial funding, the regulation of professors’ work with companies and incentives for such cooperation.

The organization of scientific cooperation is evolving towards horizontal diversification and specialization of university-based intermediary structures, an increase in the diversity of funding forms, and the unification of rules for regulating professors’ work with industrial partners. The incentives for professors to engage in such cooperation are not only related to the potential for additional income but also to scientific interests and the growing prestige of such interactions within the academic community.

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About the authors

Irina G. Dezhina

Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology

Author for correspondence.
Email: i.dezhina@skoltech.ru

доктор экономических наук, руководитель департамента анализа научно-технологического развития

Russian Federation, Moscow

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