University-Industry Knowledge Exchange: An Exploratory Study of Open Innovation in UK Universities

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the particular environment in which universities engage in Open Innovation and to investigate the specific responses that universities develop to meet the constraints intrinsic to their environment. This is the first study to investigate open innovation strategies of UK universities. The methodology used is an exploratory study based on semi-structured interviews of Pro-Vice-Chancellors (or equivalent level) of a variety of British Universities. Besides providing an overview of what Open Innovation means to different universities, as well as investigating the different Open Innovation strategies set up by universities, one of the key findings of this study relates to the ‘new’ role of universities, which are becoming a central actor within the Open Innovation ecosystem. As a result, universities should position themselves as Open Innovation hub, as they are a trusted intermediary through which collaborations can happen.

Keywords: Open innovation, knowledge transfer, university-industry