Knowledge networks and universities : locational and organisational aspects of knowledge transfer interactions

HUGGINS, Robert, JOHNSTON, Andrew and STRIDE, Chris (2012). Knowledge networks and universities : locational and organisational aspects of knowledge transfer interactions. Entrepreneurship and regional development, 24 (7-8), 475-502.

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Abstract

This paper explores the nature of the significant knowledge networks universities form with external organisations through knowledge transfer activities. Focussing on the UK higher education system, the analysis focuses on examining the extent to which organisational and locational characteristics are associated with the nature of these networks, finding that the nature of the networks universities form through knowledge transfer are related to both characteristics. In particular, we find that the institution’s status is important with more established universities are likely to have a more diverse range of organisations with which they interact, as well as a higher number of non-local interactions. In terms of geographic location, we find that universities within lagging regions tend to have more locally focused networks than universities in more leading regions. Overall, the knowledge transfer networking capacity of universities is found to be associated with the regional business environment within which they are situated, with the results going someway to confirming the importance of the role of universities in regional innovation systems, However, it also the case that more established, research focussed, universities are more likely to form part of wider , and possibly even more globalised, knowledge networks. Therefore, both the flow and stock of knowledge within regions is likely to be influenced by the networks formed by its universities, which has implications for both regional innovation capability and regional competitiveness.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Entrepreneurship & Regional Development: An International Journal, September 2012 [copyright Taylor & Francis], available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/08985626.2011.618192
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Sheffield Business School Research Institute > People, Work and Organisation
Departments - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Sheffield Business School > Department of Management
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1080/08985626.2011.618192
Page Range:	475-502
Depositing User:	Andrew Johnston
Date Deposited:	01 Oct 2012 15:09
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 04:22
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/6437

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