Driving Industry Growth through Academic Excellence: A Study on the Strategic Contribution of University-Industry Knowledge Transfer in Revamping Manufacturing SMEs in Developing Economies

Abstract

The theory of university-industry knowledge transfer and its ability in transforming the fortunes of SMEs as well as its general applicability to driving industry growth has commanded some research interest worldwide though not much has been written of developing economies. The authors investigate the strategic contribution of academic excellence, through university-industry collaborations, in revamping SMEs in the manufacturing sector. The study commenced with a review of current literature on university-industry collaborations which provided a basis for evaluating five university-SME collaborations over a period of five years. The study found that the lack of professionalism and management incompetency in most SME organizations was undermining the contribution made by the academic institutions in promoting industrial growth in Zimbabwe. We examine the contribution of academic excellence as an engine for industrial growth in SME's in developing economies

Cooperation between universities and SMEs: A systematic literature review

“…As noted earlier, access to cooperation with a university can also be more difficult for SMEs. A lack of knowledge about the possible forms of cooperation (Saruchera et al, 2014) can limit the knowledge exchange to the employment of new graduates (Zubielqui et al, 2015). Thus the development of knowledge exchange strategies will be beneficial for both parties (Pickernell et al, 2019), both formally and informally, since the innovation processes developed in the university reach beyond its limits (Sparrow et al, 2009).…”

“…The situation in other than developed countries has been little studied. In the sample selected, Zimbabwe (Saruchera et al, 2014), Turkey (Temel et al, 2013) and Mexico (Merritt, 2015) were subjects of research. In Zimbabwe, the focus was on aspects related to teaching, especially further education, to promote a continuous flow of qualified workers for the local manufacturing industry, so that SMEs could play a greater part in that sector.…”

Barreiras à transferência de tecnologia da universidade para a sociedade

“…Ocorrem obstáculos, ainda, quanto à gestão e ao planejamento da cooperação pelas entidades envolvidas como, por exemplo, problemas relativos à estratégia e à abrangência do projeto (Saruchera et al, 2014). Segundo Garnica e Torkomian (2009), falta realizar de forma mais profissional a avaliação dos recursos financeiros e intelectuais utilizados no projeto de pesquisa.…”

Challenges facing procurement professionals in developing economies: Unlocking value through professional international purchasing

“…The importance of building relationships, partnerships and/ or collaborations in modern-day business functions cannot be over-emphasised (Saruchera et al 2014). The procurement function is no exception.…”