The Influence of national innovation system on university-industry research collaboration

Abstract

University-Industry Research Collaboration (UIRC) is one of the key factors for continuous innovation. Existing literature argue that UIRC can be shaped by National Innovation System (NIS). However, empirical evidence that looks into factors of national innovation system that influence UIRC is still lacking. The main goal of this research was to propose a new framework based on system thinking theory by investigating the influence of national innovation system on university-industry research collaboration. To achieve this aim, data were collected from research centers at Electrical and Chemical Engineering Departments of five research universities in Malaysia. Data were analyzed quantitatively using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Whereas, some qualitative data from top management of corresponding industries of research centers were analyzed using NVivo 11. Results from the study revealed that technological infrastructure system, financing system, intellectual property right system, the culture of innovation and education and skills system have some influence on UIRC. Besides that, R&D cooperation, financial support, trustworthy culture, contractual agreement, intellectual capital, knowledge sharing and communication played significant roles as reinforcing factors in the relationship between NIS and UIRC. This study pioneered the application of system thinking theory in university-industry link research. In terms of practical contribution, findings from the study may serve as a guideline for policymakers in formulating policies and strategies to strengthen the innovative capabilities of UIRC. The limitations of this study are the non-inclusions of Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) as significant respondents other than research universities and their collaborated industries. It is recommended that future framework development could be expanded by exploring further factors that might have more effects on UIRC.