The concept of "technology transfer" has generally been used to study economic linkages between the developed and developing world. This book articulates the concept to examine the transfer of technology between higher education, public sector research and industry within Europe. These relationships are of vital economic importance and are as yet little understood. The book sets out a contextual and theoretical framework for studying the flow of information and ideas between research and industry and places the relationship within the wider context of technological change in the economy and competition between enterprises. Using the European Community as the source of data, the authors examine the institutional structure of technology transfer, particularly in relation to the nature of public support and the professional development of the activity. Detailed empirical analysis provides an assessment of the patterns, problems and benefits of technology transfer from both industrial and public sector perspectives.
The book is intended for everyone concerned with the link between research, development and industrial growth, including economists, geographers, planners, management scientists, and policy and investment analysts.