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The economics of research, consulting, and teaching quality: theory and evidence from a technical university

Author

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  • Stefano Bianchini

    (BETA - Bureau d'Économie Théorique et Appliquée - INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique - UNISTRA - Université de Strasbourg - UL - Université de Lorraine - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Francesco Lissoni

    (GREThA - Groupe de Recherche en Economie Théorique et Appliquée - UB - Université de Bordeaux - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CRIOS - Center for Research on Innovation, Organization and Strategy (University of Bocconi))

  • Michele Pezzoni

    (GREDEG - Groupe de Recherche en Droit, Economie et Gestion - UNS - Université Nice Sophia Antipolis (1965 - 2019) - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UniCA - Université Côte d'Azur)

  • Lorenzo Zirulia

    (UNIBO - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna = University of Bologna, CRIOS - Center for Research on Innovation, Organization and Strategy (University of Bocconi))

Abstract

We investigate the effect of both research and consulting on teaching quality in higher education, at the individual level. We propose a theoretical model in which academics allocate effort between the three activities, over a two period time horizon, under the assumption of positive spillovers from research to both consulting opportunities and teaching, and of life-cycle effects on incentives. Propositions from the model are tested against data from a mid-sized Italian engineering faculty. We find that teaching quality is negatively related to consulting and positively related to research experience. However, both relationships are not linear, due to the importance of several mediating factors, such as seniority and the role of scientific publications as a signal for attracting consulting opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefano Bianchini & Francesco Lissoni & Michele Pezzoni & Lorenzo Zirulia, 2016. "The economics of research, consulting, and teaching quality: theory and evidence from a technical university," Post-Print halshs-01238015, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-01238015
    DOI: 10.1080/10438599.2015.1114340
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-01238015
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    Cited by:

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    2. Lawson, Cornelia & Geuna, Aldo & Finardi, Ugo, 2021. "The funding-productivity-gender nexus in science, a multistage analysis," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(3).
    3. Ingvild Reymert & Taran Thune, 2020. "Complementarity and trade-off between academic work tasks," Working Papers on Innovation Studies 20200825, Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture, University of Oslo.
    4. María-Jesús Luengo-Valderrey & Julián Pando-García & Iñaki Periáñez-Cañadillas & Amparo Cervera-Taulet, 2020. "Analysis of the Impact of the Triple Helix on Sustainable Innovation Targets in Spanish Technology Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-20, April.
    5. Borah, Dhruba & Massini, Silvia & Malik, Khaleel, 2023. "Teaching benefits of multi-helix university-industry research collaborations: Towards a holistic framework," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(8).
    6. Ingvild Reymert & Taran Thune, 2023. "Task complementarity in academic work: a study of the relationship between research, education and third mission tasks among university professors," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(1), pages 331-360, February.
    7. Andrea Bonaccorsi & Daniele Biancardi & Mabel Sanchez Barrioluengo & Federico Biagi, 2019. "Study on Higher Education Institutions and Local Development," JRC Research Reports JRC117272, Joint Research Centre.
    8. Blandinieres, Florence & Pellens, Maikel, 2021. "Scientist's industry engagement and the research agenda: Evidence from Germany," ZEW Discussion Papers 21-001, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    9. Sohvi Heaton & David Lewin & David J. Teece, 2020. "Managing campus entrepreneurship: Dynamic capabilities and university leadership," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 41(6), pages 1126-1140, September.
    10. Besancenot, Damien & Vranceanu, Radu, 2024. "Reluctance to pursue breakthrough research: A signaling explanation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(4).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Academic consulting; Research; Economics of science; Higher education; Teaching; Enseignement supérieur; Conseil; Recherche; Économie scientifique;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • L84 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Personal, Professional, and Business Services
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General

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