Innovative University—Industry—Government Collaboration

Abstract

University–industry–government partnerships have become extremely significant and important technology transfer instruments in the USA. These partnerships have also created challenges and opportunities that necessitate a new ‘culture’ or ‘mindset’ for the collaborating partners. The early identification and awareness of barriers that may jeopardize an effective collaboration has presented itself as one of the major challenges. The paper begins with a discussion of major technology transfer issues and views collaboration from the perspective of industry, government and universities. Questions such as ‘What are the primary concerns facing all partners?’ and ‘What can be done to effect change in the mindset of partners?’ are addressed in the light of case studies. The paper also describes six innovative university–industry–government collaboration models initiated in the USA that include both domestic and international ventures under implementation.