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University-industry linkages in developing countries: perceived effect on innovation

Terje I. Vaaland (School of Business, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway)
Esther Ishengoma (Business School, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)

Education + Training

ISSN: 0040-0912

Article publication date: 10 October 2016

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the perceptions of both universities and the resource-extractive companies on the influence of university-industry linkages (UILs) on innovation in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 404 respondents were interviewed. Descriptive analysis and multinomial logistic regression models were applied to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings revealed significant differences between the three informant groups across the three main groups of linkage activities. The industry informants consider all three groups of UILs important for enhancing innovation, in terms of bringing student closer to the industry. The faculty members consider consultancy and research arrangements more important than collaboration, in training and educational activities. The student perceptions on all UIL activities were relatively weak on UIL activities as a vehicle to improve innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the findings, it seems that the universities should take advantage of a positive attitude among industrial actors and intensify efforts to develop UILs.

Practical implications

The research can be used for sharpen international oil companies effort towards universities in petroleum rich developing countries.

Social implications

Implications for policymakers and universities in developing countries, and for the local industrial base. In a broad sense the UIL stimulated innovation has implications on poverty reduction in natural resource-rich host countries.

Originality/value

Research on UILs in developing countries is rare, particularly in a context in which international companies are faced with host country expectations and legal requirements to invest in knowledge sector and local industry.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the two anonymous reviewers for their critical and useful comments on an earlier draft of the paper.

Citation

Vaaland, T.I. and Ishengoma, E. (2016), "University-industry linkages in developing countries: perceived effect on innovation", Education + Training, Vol. 58 No. 9, pp. 1014-1040. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-07-2015-0067

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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