Knowledge valorisation

Abstract

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons of the success of the Netherlands in knowledge valorisation: what are the actors that participate in knowledge valorisation process and what are their functions; what is the route of knowledge in valorisation; what “surplus value” does knowledge gain in the valorisation process.Design/methodology/approach– Documentary and content analysis of the documents that regulate the knowledge valorisation on the level of the national policy and on the level of universities.Findings– The success of the Netherlands in the knowledge valorisation can be explained by the creation of the process in which its main actors – state and universities collaborate and clearly understand and perform their functions and involve into the collaboration, the representatives of the industry. The state managed to create on the level of the country beneficial environment for knowledge valorisation that includes legal basis and establishment of organizations which provide funding for knowledge valorisation. Universities in their turn also have created beneficial and stimulating conditions for knowledge valorisation – science parks and valorisation centres provide support to the academics in the knowledge valorisation process. The process of valorisation at the university is built on cooperative relationship between researchers and management of the universities. Cooperation between researchers and management structures of the university which consult and support them in the process of valorisation is beneficial for both sides. Surplus value in the knowledge valorisation process can be financial and societal, but in some way they coincide because valorisation accelerates scientific progress, supports the economic development of the region and the Netherlands.Research limitations/implications– In research were explored documents that regulate knowledge valorisation on the level of state and on the level of university (strategic plans of the Dutch universities). This paper provides a basis for the substantial development of the general framework for the development of the policy at the area of knowledge valorisation and initiatives by higher education institutions.Practical implications– The experience of the Netherlands in policymaking in area of knowledge valorisation and initiatives of the Dutch universities can be used as the basis for the development and implementation of the national policies of knowledge valorisation.Social implications– The experience of the development of the valorisation initiatives of the Dutch universities can be used as the basis for the development and implementation of the valorisation initiatives of the higher education institutions.Originality/value– The study takes a documentary analysis to understand and explain the essence of the term “valorisation”, its types – societal and financial, the input of the main actors into knowledge valorisation process and to determine what surplus value and benefits are created during this process.