The role of geographical proximity in university and industry collaboration: case study of Japanese companies in the UK

Abstract

A growing number of Japanese companies based in the UK are keen to capitalise on science-based innovation through collaboration with local higher education institutions (HEIs). There are so few studies on the R&D strategies of Japanese companies particularly focusing on their open innovation strategies in the UK. The aim of this study is to clarify how geographical proximity affects the determinative factors for collaboration between UK universities and Japanese businesses, as well as the course of knowledge management. The results of questionnaires found that compared to those on independent sites, Japanese companies in science parks and on university campuses showed greater satisfaction rates in terms of technological and business benefits. Companies located geographically close to HEIs have been trying to build capacity by utilising excellent, local human resources in order to gain the advantages derived from distinguished innovation systems in the UK.