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Two Sides of the Same Coin. University-Industry Collaboration and Open Innovation as Enhancers of Firm Performance

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  • Joana Costa

    (Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESCTEC), R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Ana Rita Neves

    (Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • João Reis

    (Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Engineering, Lusófona University, Campo Grande, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
    Research Center in Industrial Engineering, Management and Sustainability (EIGeS), Lusófona University, Campo Grande, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal)

Abstract

Open innovation is proved to be determinant in the rationalization of sustainable innovation ecosystems. Firms, universities, governments, user communities and the overall environment are called to contribute to this dynamic process. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of open innovation on firms’ performance and to empirically assess whether university-industry collaborations are complementary or substitutes for this activity. Primary data were collected from a survey encompassing 908 firms, and then combined with performance indicators from SABI (Spanish and Portuguese business information). Econometric estimations were run to evaluate the role of open innovation and university-industry collaboration in the firm innovative propensity and performance. Results highlight the importance of diversity in collaborations with the academia and inbound open innovation strategy as enhancers of firm performance. The two activities reinforce each other. By testing the impact of open innovation practices on company performance, the need for heterogeneity in terms of contact type and university is also demonstrated. Findings cast light on the need to reformulate existing policy packages, reinforcing the ties with academia as well as the promotion of open innovation strategies. The connection to the innovation ecosystem needs to be further encouraged as well as the promotion of persistent connections with the knowledge sources in an open and multilateral framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Joana Costa & Ana Rita Neves & João Reis, 2021. "Two Sides of the Same Coin. University-Industry Collaboration and Open Innovation as Enhancers of Firm Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:7:p:3866-:d:527688
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    2. Hao Jing & Guimin Qu & Ning Qi, 2023. "Influence of Entrepreneurial Orientation on Open Innovation of Military-Civilian Integration Enterprises in China: The Mediating Effect of Organization Legitimacy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-15, January.

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