A resource-based view on the interactions of university researchers

Abstract

The high value of collaboration among scientists and of interactions of university researchers with industry is generally acknowledged. In this study we explain the use of different knowledge networks at the individual level from a resource-based perspective. This involves viewing networks as a resource that offers competitive advantages to an individual university researcher in terms of career development. Our results show that networking and career development are strongly related, but it is important to distinguish between different types of networks. Although networks on various levels (faculty, university, scientific, industrial) show strong correlations, we found three significant differences. First, networking within one's own faculty and with researchers from other universities stimulates careers, while interactions with industry do not. Second, during the course of an academic career a researcher's scientific network activity first rises, but then declines after about 20 years. Science-industry collaboration, however, continuously increases. Third, the personality trait 'global innovativeness' positively influences science-science interactions, but not science-industry interactions.

Organizational factors influencing scholarly performance: a multivariate study of biomedical research groups

“…De Jong et al 2011;Laredo and Mustar 2000). Scholarly networks can stimulate academic careers, but science-industry relations do not (van Rijnsoever et al 2008). Others, however, qualify this conclusion (Manjarrés-Henríquez et al 2008), or argue the opposite (Lam 2011;D'Este and Perkmann 2011;Haeussler and Colyvas 2011).…”

“…Becoming older and gaining experience changes the leadership and management style (Oshagbemi 2004;Verbree et al 2013b;Van Rijnsoever et al 2008). But overall, it takes time to build up a research group (Verbree et al 2013a;Van den Besselaar 2010, 2014).…”

Credibility and legitimacy in policy-driven innovation networks: resource dependencies and expectations in Dutch electric vehicle subsidies

“…Following Van Rijnsoever et al (2008) the collaboration between science and industry can be approached from a resource based view (see Penrose 1959;Barney 1991). This perspective argues that a firm can be seen as a bundle of sticky and difficult to imitate resources and capabilities (Lewin, Weigelt et al 2004).…”

“…Universities primarily engage in industry collaborations for additional research funds, exposure of students and staff to practical problems, job opportunities for graduates, and access to specific technological areas (Harman 2001;Nieminen and Kaukonen 2001). Further, individual scientists can benefit from collaboration in terms of reputation, career, publications or other forms of productivity (Siegel, Waldman et al 2003;Kuhlmann 2004;Lee and Bozeman 2005;Van Rijnsoever, Hessels et al 2008). …”

“…Studies have shown that scientists strive for scientific recognition, which is more difficult to gain when collaborating with industry (Carayol 2003;Van Rijnsoever, Hessels et al 2008). Further, firms need to bridge cognitive and cultural barriers in order to apply scientific knowledge (Siegel, Waldman et al 2003), which is often problematic.…”