Stability in University-Industry R&D Collaborations: A Longitudinal Analysis of Green Car R&D Networks

In this paper, we investigate the global R&D network that emerged from Green Car Technology research by firms and universities. We scrutinize the development of the relevant patent network over time and investigate whether... [ view full abstract ]

In this paper, we investigate the global R&D network that emerged from Green Car Technology research by firms and universities. We scrutinize the development of the relevant patent network over time and investigate whether engineered (brokered) collaborations in R&D networks are more stable and/or intensive than collaborations that emerge otherwise. In our analysis, we distinguish between industry-university, inter-industry and inter-university R&D collaborations to uncover whether collaboration with or between universities leads to more stable or unstable collaborations. Insights from our research will allow us to uncover the reasons for collaborative R&D with universities and highlight how Green Car firms access relevant third party knowledge. Furthermore, we will be able to assess the importance of engineered relations and universities in the emergence and development of R&D networks. We control for regional differences in R&D networks and possible learning effects that might occur in the network. Further research will allow for strategic R&D tool development and for scrutinizing the role of individual researchers in the development and evolution of collaborative R&D networks. In literature, similar networks are often scrutinized, yet very rarely these networks are studied as a whole and over their lifecycle.