Interactions between public research organisations and industry in Argentina: analysis of channels and benefits for researchers and firms

ARZA, VALERIA & VAZQUEZ, CLAUDIA

Buenos Aires

Seminario; Seminario Interuniversitario sobre Desarrollo Productivo Argentino; 2010

UBA, FCE

There are various channels for the exchange of knowledge between public research organisations(PROs) and industry (I). This paper discusses the relative effectiveness of different channels inArgentina. We use micro-data from surveys on firms and researchers to confirm that specific channelsof PRO-I interactions are predominantly associated with specific types of benefits. While the servicechannel is effective for driving the benefits for researchers, the traditional channel does so for firms.However, we find that only the bi-directional channel ensures long-term benefits simultaneously forboth actors. Moreover, we show that firms’ innovative capabilities and researchers’ knowledge skillsinterfere in the channels–benefits relationship. Therefore, the promotion of PRO-I interactions shouldbe designed in accordance with the types of benefits being targeted and should take account of theknowledge characteristics of the actors involved in the interaction.