What do companies want from universities? Collaboration opportunities to develop innovations

Abstract

Universities are a key element of innovation systems, especially when they establish efficient mechanisms of knowledge exchange with companies. This article analyzes collaboration opportunities between universities and companies. The literature revision emphasizes the interest companies have in obtaining new knowledge, problem-solving assistance – with specialized services-, and personnel training. The research done in Puerto Rico based on interviews to academic researchers, entrepreneurs, and other persons linked to innovation systems, confirm the interest in those areas and highlight the opportunity to increase collaborations through flexible strategies by locals.