Identifying the Critical Success Factors of Research Collaborations between Universities and Defense Industries in Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Maleke-ashtar University of Technology

Abstract

There is an institutionalized connection between industry and university in developed countries. However, in Iran, despite a great emphasis on establishing and strengthening connections between defense industries and universities, there is no specific process to build an effective collaboration and the current policies are not highly sufficient for existing needs. The main reason is lack of proper identification of critical success factors in industry-university collaboration. So, the main purpose of this study is to identify the critical success factors of defense industries and university collaboration. To do so, 19 critical success factors are identified in four dimensions of interactions design, knowledge, social, and collaboration success through the literature review, then the research model and hypotheses are proposed consequently. A questionnaire is designed to collect experts' opinions. The four dimensions and their factors are measured by frequency tables, mean and standard deviation. In addition, the effect of each factor on collaboration is determined through one sample test. Also, another questionnaire (including 36 items) is designed and distributed among users. Its questions are assessed and confirmed by conformity factor analysis. After that, the effects of all success factors are verified by path analysis, and the research model and hypothesis are confirmed by the findings resulted from structural equation modeling. Finally, some solutions and practical suggestions are made to improve and enhance the collaborations between university and defense industries.

Keywords

References

Ankrah, S. N., 2007. University-Industry Interorganisational Relationships for Technology/ Knowledge Transfer. Leeds University Business School Working Paper Series, 1 (4).
Bagheri, A., 2011. Model of knowledge transfer and advanced technologies between university and industry in Iran. Tehran: Allameh Tabataba'i University.
Barbolla, A. & Corredera, J., 2009. Critical Factors for Success in University-Industry Research Projects. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 21 (5), pp. 599-616.
Barnes, T., Pashby , I. & Gibbons, A., 2002. Effective University-Industry Interaction: A multi-case Evaluation of Collaborative R&D Projects. European Management Journal, 20 (3), pp. 272–285.
Bruneel, J., D’Este, P. & Salter, A., 2010. Investigating the Factors that Diminish the Barriers to University–Industry Collaboration. Research Policy, 39(7), pp. 858-864.
Chang, P. & Hsu, W., 2002. Improving the Innovative Capabilities of Taiwan’s Manufacturing Industries with University-Industry Research Partnership. Advanced Manufacturing Journal, Volume 19, pp. 775–787.
Faez, As. & Shahabi, As., 2010. Evaluating and Prioritizing Barriers to University and Industry Relations. Leadership and educational management, Volume(2), pp. 97-124.
Fontana, R., Geunab, A. & Matt, M., 2006. Factors Affecting University–Industry R&D Projects: The Importance of Searching, Screening and Signalling. Research Policy, Volume 35, pp. 309–323.
Haghshenasfard, M. & Zivdar, M., 2010. University and Industry Relationships - Challenges and Solutions. Chemical Engineering of Iran, Volume(52), pp. 44-48.
Kharazmi, O. A., 2011. Modelling The Role of University-Industry Collaboration in The Iranian National System of Innovation: Generation Transition Policy Scenarios. University of Stirling.
Manteghi, M. & Salimi, M., 2007. Provide successful patterns for university and industry research and collaboration in technology development. Iran Engineering Education, pp. 159-175.
Ojewale, B. A., Ilori, M. O., Oyebisi , T. O. & Akinwumi, I. O., 2001. Industry-Academic Relation: Utilization of Idle Capacities in Polytechnics, Universities and Research Organizations by Entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Technovation, Volume 21, pp. 695-704.
Philbin, S., 2008. Process Model for University-Industry Research Collaboration. European Journal of Innovation Management, 11 (4), pp. 488–521.
Plewa, C. & Quester, P., 2007. Key Drivers of University-Industry Relationships: the Role of Organizational Compatibility and Personal Experience. Journal of Services Marketing, 21 (5), pp. 370–382.
Robertson, T., 2006. Characteristics of Effective University-Industry Research Relationships. Chapel Hill.
Santoro, M., 1998. Key Factors in Establishing and Sustaining High Intensity Industry-University Technology Relationships. New Jersey: University of New Jersey.
Santoro, M. D., 2000. Success Breeds Success: The linkage between Relationship Intensity and Tangible Outcomes in Industry-University Collaboration Ventures. Journal of High Technology Management Research, 11 (2), pp. 255–273.
Schofield, T., 2012. Critical Success Factors for Knowledge Transfer Collaborations between University and Industry in the Emerging Market Context. London: Imperial College.
Shafiei, M. & Yazdanian, V., 2007. Conceptual Development of the Relationship Between Industry and University: From Pragmatic Approaches to Institutionalist Approaches. Iran Engineering Education, Volume (36), pp. 81-110.
Sugandhavanija, P., Sukchai, S., Ketjoy, N. & Klongboonjit, S., 2011. Determination of Effective University-Industry Joint Research for Photovoltaic Technology Transfer in Thailand. Renewable Energy, Volume 36, pp. 600–607.

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 31 July 2014
  • Accept Date: 02 November 2014

Share

How to cite

Statistics