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Information transfer between an academic research center and its member firms

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Abstract

Many American universities have recently established research centers that interact with industrial firms. Such centers have been supported by the federal government whose objective is to enhance technological innovation. For this study, interviews were conducted with liaison persons from the member firms to determine how the firms acquire and use information obtained from the center and why they maintain a relationship with the center. The findings confirm that the center is a useful source of information for the member firms. It clarifies the need for establishing strategies that facilitate the transfer of information without compromising either the center or its members.

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In the past several years he has been developing technology-transfer expertise as a visiting fellow and scholar with the Mangement of Technology group at MIT's Sloan School of Management. He previously studied university-industry relationships at the Hastings Institute. Since 1988, he has been a senior associate with Pugh-Roberts, a management consulting firm, where he is concentrating on technology strategy and the planning of technology leveraging. Stern has an MD in internal medicine and a Ph.D. in physical biochemistry.

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Stern, A. Information transfer between an academic research center and its member firms. J Technol Transfer 14, 19–24 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02371375

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