The Determinants of External Engagement of Hard Scientists: A Study of Generational and Country Differences in Europe

Abstract

In the context of transformation of the higher education landscape by Knowledge Society imperatives, there is an increase in academics’ external engagement, especially in the fields of hard sciences. This trend is noticeable in various European countries with different higher education models, but rather limited knowledge in understanding the generational influence on external engagement of academics exists, taking into account the broad range of external engagement activities. The aim of this paper is to examine generational differences by conducting cross-country analyses (N = 976) across different European countries and higher education models. The findings show that there is a trend towards academics’ engagement in spin-off/start-up creation in Finland, volunteer-based activities in Slovenia, teaching-related activities in Portugal and consultancy activities in Lithuania and in additional also is evidence for generational differences in academics’ external engagement. The logistic regression shows positive relationship between consolidate generation academics and patenting/licensing activities, younger generation and spin-off/start-up creation as well as intermediate generation and giving public lectures/speeches and producing publications for broader society.