Science to Business (S2B) Knowledge Transfer in Context: An Ecosystems Approach examining Bavaria and Ireland

Collaborative networks for scientific knowledge commercialisation remain under researched. Taking a multi-stakeholder perspective, this study explores the environment in which collaborative networks for scientific knowledge... [ view full abstract ]

Collaborative networks for scientific knowledge commercialisation remain under researched. Taking a multi-stakeholder perspective, this study explores the environment in which collaborative networks for scientific knowledge commercialisation are established and managed. The study is based on case study evidence from 82 stakeholders in 17 research collaboration projects in Irish and Bavarain universities. It provides for a holistic view of the context, as opposed to prior research which has tended to report findings based on the analysis of one or two stakeholders. It emphasizes a context-sensitive, ecosystem approach drawing on the St Gallen Model. Our ecosystem of scientific knowledge commercialisation approach enables the identification of several macro (economic, social, technological and ecological), meso (stakeholder specific) and micro (individual) barriers and factors to contextualise theory on science-to-business collaborative networks. Such an approach can identify (a) key stakeholders, (b) contextual factors and barriers, (c) determine the stake and importance of each stakeholder/group by describing stakeholder interests and resources, (d) examine the dynamic relationships among stakeholders, (e) determine how effectively the expectations and needs of each stakeholder is being met and (f) review objectives and priorities to consider stakeholder interests and bridge gaps. It facilitates strategic stakeholder relationship management and development.