University Research, Commercialisation and Knowledge Exchange in the UK: An Econometric Analysis of the Determinants and Inter-Linkages

Abstract

This paper explores the determinants of different channels of knowledge transfer and their inter-linkages with academic and applied research. We use the longitudinal HE-BCI survey data juxtaposed against multiple rounds of research evaluation results in the UK higher education sector to estimate econometric models of the determinants and inter-linkages, where the university is the unit of analysis. Our results show that collaborations and contract research are the two most effective channels of knowledge transfer, enjoying a virtuous cycle of positive reinforcement effect on future research outcomes. The intellectual property route is found to be not only ineffective but it may also crowd out other potentially impactful knowledge transfer channels. Our study also highlights the importance of strengthening the academic research base to promote knowledge transfer. Additionally we identify other organizational characteristics which may potentially impact specific knowledge transfer channels within a university.