Examining Socio-Technical Networks in Scientific Academia/Industry Collaborations

We frequently think of university scientists as inventors of new technologies, which are transferred from the university to industry organizations for innovation and diffusion. Because such processes are communication and information intensive, there are high expectations that use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) can facilitate technology transfers and subsequent economic development. However, communication processes that foster scientific discovery and knowledge transfer are embedded in social networks; if ICT use influences technology transfer, it is likely to be through these networks. At the same time, ICTs will be shaped through their use in these social networks. We suggest a socio-technical perspective is best suited to study these reciprocal influences. In this paper, we outline a program of research to examine socio-technical networks in scientific academia/industry collaborations. We begin by reviewing key findings and projections about use of ICTs in knowledge creation and transfer processes and then outline our approach for studying socio-technical networks that span academic/industry boundaries