Improving the effectiveness of academic-business models: an analysis of obstacles in R&D activities in service industries

Among studies that identify and analyze myths about industry–university cooperation are those of McHenry (1990) and Geisler (1997). Such myths are defined as beliefs that distort reality and are a consequence of the desire of industry and universities to use any means available to enhance their technological potential and national competitiveness. They also express extreme positions and opinions relating to the benefits and effectiveness of cooperation between different sectors (Geisler 1997). The beliefs that a company obtains little profit from cooperating with the academic sector (McHenry 1990) or that government intervene financially to encourage cooperation agreements between industry and universities (Geisler 1997) are some examples of these myths.

According to the 2004 COTEC Report, one of the main indicators of a country's technological innovation is scientific production measured in terms of publications in national and international journals.

Companies should recognize the right of research institutions to publish. In fact, some companies that cooperate with research institutions play a part in publicizing academic results by publishing them in their own journals.

In some studies, such as that of Siegel et al. (2003), the concept of “boundary spanning” is applied to the framework of industry–university relations. This is defined as actions taken by the administrative staff of research organizations, aimed at establishing a liaison between “clients” (companies) and “suppliers” (scientists), who operate in different environments. As a result, the clients' needs are made known to the suppliers and the interests and capacities of the suppliers are transmitted to the clients.

For a more detailed review of agents acting as intermediaries between companies and research organizations, see Mora-Valentín (1999, 2000).