Engineering Networks: University-Industry Networks in Southern Ontario Automotive Industry Clusters
Posted: 17 Mar 2009
Date Written: July 2008
Abstract
In this paper we examine relationships between university engineering programmes at the Universities of Waterloo and Windsor and the automobile industry in Southern Ontario which reflect TNC strategies and state innovation policies which place greater emphasis on universities developing networks with automotive manufacturers. We argue firstly that there are tensions within the academy as university based researcher becomes more applied and as issues of intellectual property (IP) rights ownership arise. Secondly knowledge flows are principally directed towards OEM global pipelines and to a much less extent to the regional clusters of small and medium sized (SME) producers. We conclude by considering the implications of intensifying networks between universities and OEMs in Southern Ontario on innovation and cluster policy.
Keywords: Innovation, universities, automobile industry
JEL Classification: D210, D230
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation