A multilevel analysis of the technological impact of university-SME joint innovations

The present research analyses the determinants of the technological impact of the innovations developed by R&D collaborations between universities and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, by adopting a multi-level approach, this study reveals the significant role played by SME’s absorptive capacity, as well as by social and geographical proximity between the partnering organizations. In addition, this paper shows the positive impact of the regional knowledge spillovers that are close to the technological fields of the innovations developed. The findings provide a better understanding of interactive learning in R&D collaborations between universities and SMEs, explaining how it may be further nurtured by knowledge spillovers available in SME’s Regional Innovation Systems (RIS). The paper may also support SME managers in the definition of these collaborations, university managers in the orientation of their technology transfer effort, as well as policy-makers interested in the development of a more effective RIS.