Abstract
At present the role of networks is becoming fundamental in understanding the process of innovation: from the genesis and development of research and technology projects to the subsequent diffusion of the results. Factors such as participating institutions, network objectives, administration, resource allocation, communication among partners, etc, or, simply, all types of interaction are critical. Extensive work has been done in relation to the study of organizations. However, the study of the networks themselves as a new form of organization is still at an early stage. Most university–enterprise institutions are actively involved in knowledge and technology transfer, but methods and results can differ due to differences in parent organization and culture, scientific activity and the industrial environment in which the institution is situated. This paper is based on an empirical study of technology cooperation networks in Europe, and summarizes the main aspects of the analysis, with special emphasis on the role of UETPs (University-Enterprise Training Partnerships) in technology-oriented European Union programmes.
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