Is there a field where the exchange between science and economy really works well? At events or in presentations people often praise the excellent cooperation between companies, universities and research institutions. Often technology parks are built with together with institutes of higher education or universities as this makes a good impression and seems to be promising, but in fact this is rarely the case.
I think that on closer inspection the exchange between science and economy turns out to be rather poor. Of course, there are some exceptions with respect to big enterprises. But in most cases, the only cooperation is hiring already educated students. So it would be reasonable to “force” SMEs to really cooperate. The only question is how to do so and how an increase in innovation can be achieved.
The main problem is that scientists and employers have different opinions and objectives. On the one hand employers aim at earning money as soon as possible. On the other hand scientists are fascinated by exploring things no matter if or when this can be used on a commercial basis. In many cases, these people have problems in understanding each other. I only know a few cases where this process seems to work.
What do you think? Am I right or do you disagree? Can you tell any positive examples?
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Hello Bernhard! I would be interested to know what you mean about ‘forcing’ SMEs to cooperate with academia. What do you have in mind?
The most obvious example of successful technology transfer is, of course, the relationship between Stanford University and Silicon Valley. However, this also seems to work in a handful of other locations, for example between MIT and the Massachusetts IT community.
I rather suspect the differences are cultural. For example, when I was in university one of my roommates was a construction foreman who studying for an advanced degree in philosophy. That kind of crossover is unthinkable in Europe, not to mention Hungary or the Czech Republic. Those two worlds just don’t mix here.
It seems to me that you almost have to convince or even force enterprises to cooperate.
The examles you mentioned are very often stated in this context, maybe because they are the only ones….?
Interesting point about your roommate, Steve. We are trying to bring together business, art and academia people within the Brnopolis creative community focused on international relations. Some say it ain’t work, we think it can
It always helps if people have some personal experience with the other worlds…