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Is industry-university-research cooperation really a panacea for enhancing innovation quality? Evidence from Chinese firms

Author

Listed:
  • Jin, Laiqun
  • Geng, Ruonan
  • Tong, Yan
  • Hu, Shancheng

Abstract

Industry-university-research (IUR) cooperation is often regarded as key to enhancing innovation quality. However, the empirical analysis based on the granted invention patents of Chinese listed companies reveals that, general cooperation, whether IUR or among firms, also significantly boosts innovation quality. Notably, IUR cooperation does not exhibit a distinct additional effect on improving innovation quality compared to general cooperation in China. Further analysis of the potential “additional benefits” of IUR cooperation suggests that, although such collaboration does not confer extra reputational advantages for firms, it is associated with greater access to innovation subsidies compared to general cooperation. Further analysis shows that, the patents from IUR cooperation are more frequently cited by universities or research institutions. Also, while IUR cooperation does not significantly boost the firms’ productivity in the short term, it does have a substantial impact in the long run. Patents from IUR cooperation tend to be more foundational.

Suggested Citation

  • Jin, Laiqun & Geng, Ruonan & Tong, Yan & Hu, Shancheng, 2026. "Is industry-university-research cooperation really a panacea for enhancing innovation quality? Evidence from Chinese firms," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:injoed:v:121:y:2026:i:c:s0738059326000246
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2026.103514
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    JEL classification:

    • P13 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Cooperative Enterprises
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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