Improving Business-Academia Links and Innovation in Transition Economies: The Case of Uzbekistan

Abstract

This work is a part of an ongoing research that addresses the issue in strengthening business-academia links and focuses on developing narrow frameworks and guides for effective policies to strengthen business-academia links for transitional economies, based on the case of Uzbekistan. To achieve this, the research is carried out in three stages. First, the authors provide a pertinent literature review of leading academic studies in strengthening business-academia links and gain advantages from experienced countries with the purpose of establishing the research background. Second, authors will analyze the conducted survey conducted in Uzbekistan. Finally, a policy framework is expected to be developed as a reference for effective policies to strengthen business-academia links. It is noted, that the research is still in progress and hence, in this paper the authors attempt to present preliminary results highlighting relevant points with suggestions for further research.

Keywords: business-academia links, innovation policy, regional development, economic growth, university research, innovation

JEL Classification: O03