Cooperative research and technology dynamics: the role of research strategy development in NSF Science and Technology Centres. (16th January 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Steenhuis, Harm-Jan; Gray, Denis O.
• Is Part Of: International journal of technology transfer and commercialisation. Volume 5:Number 1/2(2006)
• Page Start: 56
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2006-01-16
• Subjects: technology management -- technology innovation -- technology transfer -- technology strategy -- technology dynamics -- technology transfer -- research strategy formation -- National Science Foundation -- NSF Science and Technology Centers -- R&amp -- D -- research and development -- university-industry cooperation; Technology transfer -- Periodicals; 338.926
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-6075

Abstract

In the highly competitive global economy, virtually all technology-based firms rely on R&D inputs from outside organisations. In the USA context universities, particularly cooperative centres, are the primary source of R&D for most firms. National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Science and Technology Centres perform a pivotal role in technology development and management for the USA. Despite their importance, the management of various types of centres and in particular their research strategy development approach is not well understood. This paper in an extension of a study on research strategy formation processes within Science and Technology Centres, building on previous exploratory case studies. It was found that Science and Technology Centres use strategy formation approaches that are fundamentally different than those used in other types of centres. Also, the developed strategies vary in their characteristics. This paper sheds light on strategic processes in a new type of boundary-spanning organisation and suggestions are provided for future research.