Investigating the industrial demand for scientific knowledge

Abstract

University-Industry knowledge transfer is a key factor for the economic development and competitiveness of regions. A low level of transparency on the market for academic knowledge is the major obstacle in exploiting the existing innovation potential of cooperation between research institutions and firms. This paper offers a methodological frame-work for exploring the industrial demand for scientific knowledge of research institutions, especially universities. As a direct survey among firms has major drawbacks we propose an inquiry of different intermediates, especially cluster managers. The applicability of the presented methodology is demonstrated with the case of a technical university in Germany. Finally, we introduce an illustration to contrast supply and demand. This constitutes a strategic tool for transfer relevant decisions of research institutions and allows to align governmental support to the real transfer potential that strengthens a region`s economic development.