Technological transfer and spillovers within the RIS3 entrepreneurial ecosystems: a quadruple helix approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to assess quadruple helix stakeholders’ perception on the implementation of the smart specialisation strategy (RIS3) in the North of Portugal, besides analysing technology transfer (TT) by spillover activities between 2014 and 2017. For the achievement of this goal, a qualitative methodology was followed through semi-structured interviews applied to regional actors of the eight priority domains of RIS3 North of Portugal. Data analysis was performed using Iramuteq software. Our results suggest that regional stakeholder’ motivation to engage in TT were essentially in line with what has been found in other contexts and stakeholders’ perception of the fitness of the RIS3 defined for their region does not match with the RIS3 defined by the policymakers. Our results contribute to (1) bridge the lack of studies focusing on university TT involving QH stakeholders and to (2) identify the real perception of QH actors on the RIS3 process.