Higher Education Institution Knowledge and its Impact on Regional Competitiveness, 2009

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.This project focused on a regional comparison of university knowledge flows to the business community and other institutions both within and external to the region in which particular universities are based. It analyses the impact of university knowledge in relation to the type of knowledge, the flow mechanisms, and the types of actors 'receiving' this knowledge. The key aim of the study was to assess and analyse the impact of Higher Education Institution (HEI) generated knowledge on the competitiveness of those regions within which respective HEIs are located within the twelve UK regions. The study focused on a regional comparison of HEI knowledge flows to the business community and other institutions both within and external to the region in which particular HEIs are based. It analysed the impact of HEI knowledge in relation to the type of knowledge, the flow mechanisms, and the types of actors 'receiving' this knowledge. As well as drawing comparisons across the twelve UK regions, further comparison was made at an international level. The methodological design was utilised not only for the UK regions but also in a parallel US study with partners from the Regional Development Institute (RDI) at Northern Illinois University. The data held at the UK Data Archive comprise the results of a postal survey of knowledge 'receiver' firms that collaborate with UK HEIs. Further information about the project may be found on the ESRC Higher Education Institution Knowledge and its Impact on Regional Competitiveness award webpage. Main Topics:Topics covered in the survey include: international and domestic knowledge links of UK industry; knowledge sourcing practices of firms; impact of HEIs knowledge; types of knowledge accessed by UK firms; UK firms' barriers to knowledge sourcing