Barriers and stimulants to the development of university-industry links : perspectives from the Republic of Ireland

Abstract

The aim of this research is to investigate barriers and stimulants to the development of university-industry (U-I) links in the Republic of Ireland (hereafter referred to as Ireland) from the perspectives of academia, industry and key regional actors associated with innovation and U-I links (in Ireland and Scotland). The links which constitute the main focus of this research are: research and development (R&D), consultancy, teaching/training and the commercialisation of university research by academic entrepreneurs who have formed campus companies. When analysing the factors which promote and/or impede the development of links between the indigenous high-tech sector and Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), the research focuses on five broad areas.