University-industry links and the determinants of their spatial scope : a study of the knowledge intensive business services sector

This paper examines the determinants of the spatial scope of collaborative linkages between Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS) firms and universities in the UK. Drawing on data on Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), it is found that the geographic scope of these linkages is determined by a complex mix of the particular characteristics of firms and universities, as the well the location of the firms. In particular, proximity increases with the participation of smaller firms, and firms located within areas with higher densities of KIBS employment. In contrast, the participation of larger firms or a university with greater levels of research activity increases the geographic scope of a linkage.