Knowledge and Technology Transfer Activities between Firms and Universities in Switzerland: An Analysis Based on Firm Data

Abstract

This study explores the factors determining the propensity of Swiss firms to get involved in knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) activities with universities and other research institutions in order to gain new scientific knowledge in research fields which are relevant for their own innovation activities. The data used in this study were collected by a postal survey among Swiss enterprises. We found that the propensity to KTT activities is positively correlated with the share of employees with tertiary-level education, the existence of R&D activities, firm age and firm size. Further, it is negatively correlated with obstacles of KTT activities related to the functioning of the interface between firms and universities. The analysis of five specific forms of KTT activities showed that there are differences among these forms as to the explanatory factors identified for the variable for overall KTT activities, particularly with respect to human capital intensity, some obstacles and firm size.