Sustaining Corporate Innovation Through University–Industry Collaborative Research: Evidence from the Jiangsu University of China

Based on the perspective of collaborative innovation, this study employed the social network analysis method to empirically analyze the evolution of knowledge diffusion networks between research institutions and industry in China. The study is centered on the Jiangsu University of China, an institution noted for its innovative activities for a long time. The results show that since 2008 the extent and depth of explicit knowledge diffusion of Jiangsu University have increased significantly. The regional knowledge diffusion network presents a core-edge spatial pattern, but the core-edge structure is weakening; indicating that while the number of partners in the collaboration effort is increasing, the strength of ties between groups is weakening. The tacit knowledge diffusion network presents a small-world effect; small groups of partners clustered around one or a few influential inventors have gradually emerged. It is also evident that enterprises that are located close to the university benefit more from such collaboration than those located in farther provinces. We recommend that universities in such collaborations should reach out to diverse industry players using their specialized expertise.