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The multi-level process of trust and learning in university–industry innovation collaborations

Author

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  • Amalya L. Oliver

    (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

  • Kathleen Montgomery

    (University of California, Riverside)

  • Shimrit Barda

    (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

Abstract

Successful university–industry collaborations require high levels of trust among participants, yet achieving this goal is complex. In this study, we provide a fine-grained qualitative analysis of thirty interviews from four collaborative, government-funded case studies over a 2-year period to analyze how trust can facilitate and/or impede project outcomes. We identified two levels of trust (individual and organizational), at multiple stages of the collaboration. Scientists’ reputation and shared values about information sharing helped build trust among individual scientists, while organizational-level trust centered on efficiency, including alignment with contract provisions and time commitment to the project. Our analysis shows that only one project had a positive outcome, demonstrating that the interaction of trust across levels and over time helps explain collaborative success or lack thereof. Such a holistic perspective can widen understanding of the outcomes of university–industry collaborative efforts.

Suggested Citation

  • Amalya L. Oliver & Kathleen Montgomery & Shimrit Barda, 2020. "The multi-level process of trust and learning in university–industry innovation collaborations," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 45(3), pages 758-779, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:45:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s10961-019-09721-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-019-09721-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Zahedi Rad, Vahid & Seifi, Abbas & Fadai, Dawud, 2023. "Policy design for transition from imitation to innovation in emerging photovoltaic sectors using a system dynamics model," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    2. Fabricia S. Rosa & Lorenzo Compagnucci & Rogerio J. Lunkes & Januário J. Monteiro, 2023. "Green innovation ecosystem and water performance in the food service industry: The effects of environmental management controls and digitalization," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(8), pages 5459-5476, December.
    3. Kieren Marr & Phillip Phan, 2020. "The valorization of non-patent intellectual property in academic medical centers," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 45(6), pages 1823-1841, December.
    4. Yuval Kalish & Amalya L. Oliver, 2022. "Reducing the cost of knowledge exchange in consortia: network analyses of multiple relations," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 47(3), pages 775-803, June.
    5. Daquan Gao & Christina W. Y. Wong & Kee-hung Lai, 2023. "Development of Ecosystem for Corporate Green Innovation: Resource Dependency Theory Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-28, March.
    6. Timo Kleiner-Schaefer & Kerstin J. Schaefer, 2022. "Barriers to university–industry collaboration in an emerging market: Firm-level evidence from Turkey," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 47(3), pages 872-905, June.
    7. Gabriela Fernandes & David O’Sullivan, 2023. "Project management practices in major university-industry R&D collaboration programs – a case study," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(1), pages 361-391, February.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    University–Industry technology transfer; Innovation; Collaboration; Characteristic-based trust; Process-based trust; Shared knowledge; Individual and organizational level trust;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth

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