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The influence of co-location in higher education institutions on small firms’ perspectives of knowledge transfer

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  • Nigel Lockett
  • Frank Cave
  • Ron Kerr
  • Sarah Robinson

Abstract

Knowledge transfer (KT) has been identified as an essential element of innovation that drives competitive advantage in increasingly knowledge-driven economies and in which small firms have an important part to play. A number of recent UK Government reports have sought to increase awareness of the importance of KT within higher education institutions (HEIs). In light of this, there is an urgent need for relevant empirical research that examines how KT policy is translated into practice, particularly in the area of small firms. This paper responds to this need by reporting on in-depth longitudinal case studies of small firms co-located in a high profile HEI ‘centre of excellence’ for research and development (R&D) and commercialization of information and communications technologies (ICT) in the Northwest of England. The paper seeks to explore what is it that the SMEs are getting out of this co-location and more specifically the research asks, how do the views of entrepreneurs change over time? Five main themes are identified, namely: (1) increased strategic focus; (2) awareness of core competences; (3) enhanced R&D activities; (4) importance of both technical and business support; (5) the need for a knowledge database to facilitate KT. The study concludes by highlighting the need for more structured yet flexible approaches to KT activities in order to meet the needs of entrepreneurs for different kinds of support at different times in the development of their businesses.

Suggested Citation

  • Nigel Lockett & Frank Cave & Ron Kerr & Sarah Robinson, 2009. "The influence of co-location in higher education institutions on small firms’ perspectives of knowledge transfer," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(3), pages 265-283, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:entreg:v:21:y:2009:i:3:p:265-283
    DOI: 10.1080/08985620802279973
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Storey, D. J. & Tether, B. S., 1998. "Public policy measures to support new technology-based firms in the European Union," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 26(9), pages 1037-1057, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anna Lejpras, 2015. "Knowledge, location, and internationalization: empirical evidence for manufacturing SMEs," Economics of Innovation and New Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(8), pages 734-754, November.
    2. Asyraf Mohd Bakri & Nur Hamezah Abdul Malik & Norhayati Hussin, 2017. "The Competency of Information System Management in an Organization for Better Decision-Making," International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, Human Resource Management Academic Research Society, International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, vol. 7(12), pages 486-496, December.
    3. Madhav Govind & Merle Küttim, 2016. "International Knowledge Transfer from University to Industry: A Systematic Literature Review," Research in Economics and Business: Central and Eastern Europe, Tallinn School of Economics and Business Administration, Tallinn University of Technology, vol. 8(2).
    4. Cerchione, Roberto & Esposito, Emilio, 2017. "Using knowledge management systems: A taxonomy of SME strategies," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 1551-1562.
    5. Xiyao Xiang & Wei-Chiao Huang, 2019. "Does Distance Affect the Role of Nonlocal Subsidiaries on Cluster Firms’ Innovation? An Empirical Investigation on Chinese Biotechnology Cluster Firms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-18, November.

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