Channels of interaction between public research organisations and industry and benefits for both agents: evidence from Mexico

Abstract

The process of knowledge transfer between public research organizations and industry occurs through multiple channels of interaction, however there are differences in terms of the benefits that the agents perceive. Based on micro-data, this paper explores which channels are the most effective for triggering different benefits perceived by researchers and firms involved in such interactions in Mexico. The results suggest that researchers obtain intellectual benefits from the bi-directional and the traditional channels. Firms obtain benefits related to production activities and innovation strategies from the bi-directional and the services channels, while the traditional channel only provides production-related benefits. These results raise different policy issues. First, fostering the bi-directional channel could contribute to building virtuous circles. Secondly, it is necessary to align the incentives to foster other channels of interaction. Thirdly, a change of the researchers’ incentives is required to induce new benefits from interactions.